Google suggests implementing policy updates to accommodate an expanded selection of real-money games on the Play Store within India
Google has announced significant changes to its Play Store and advertising policies in India, aiming to expand the availability of real-money gaming (RMG) apps on its platform. This proposal comes as a response to ongoing antitrust scrutiny by Indian regulators and complaints from online gaming platforms about discriminatory exclusion[1][2].
The key details of Google's proposal include:
- Expanded Access for RMG Apps: Google plans to allow all compliant RMG apps on the Play Store in India, provided developers self-declare compliance with applicable laws and jurisprudence.
- Third-Party Validation: Developers must submit proof from an authoritative third-party body confirming that their app qualifies as a "game of skill." This is crucial in India, as games of skill are regulated differently from gambling.
- Industry Associations as Potential Validators: Google has proposed that developers submit validation from a "third-party authoritative body," with industry associations such as the All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation, and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports named as possible validators[1].
These changes follow India's Supreme Court rulings that categorized some fantasy sports as games of skill, making them legal. Google's September 2022 pilot that permitted certain skill-based games on the Play Store built on this foundation[1].
The proposal is subject to approval by India's Competition Commission (CCI), which has invited public comments on Google's commitment plan[1]. Google's spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about continuing to work with the CCI and the RMG ecosystem.
This development reflects Google's constructive discussions with the CCI and the Indian developer community, as well as their commitment to building a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps across Google Play and Google Ads. Google's spokesperson also stated a commitment to prioritizing user safety in the RMG ecosystem[1].
These changes could potentially support Indian developers who currently distribute apps outside the Play Store and generate more revenue for the company. Google's spokesperson stated that they are pleased with the CCI's market testing of their proposed framework for RMGs in India, and expressed confidence that this framework will empower Indian developers[1]. The changes aim to contribute to the growth of the digital economy in India.
[1] Source: TechCrunch - Google Plans to Allow More Real-Money Gaming Apps on Play Store in India
[2] Source: The Hindu - Google's Proposal to Expand Real-Money Gaming Apps on Play Store
- The expansion of real-money gaming (RMG) apps on Google Play Store in India is a significant development in the business sector, driven by Google's policy-and-legislation changes (TechCrunch).
- The emphasis on user safety and validation from authoritative third-party bodies, including industry associations like the All India Gaming Federation, is a crucial part of Google's new approach to RMG apps in the context of technology and regulation (TechCrunch).
- This move by Google, subject to Competition Commission (CCI) approval, could lead to increased revenue for Google and provide a platform for Indian developers in the general-news landscape, contributing to the growth of India's digital economy (TechCrunch).
