Google proposes opening Play Store to all real-money games in India

Google has put forward a new proposal to India’s Competition Commission (CCI) that could significantly alter how real-money gaming (RMG) apps are distributed and advertised in the country, TechCrunch reported. The move is part of the tech giant’s effort to settle an ongoing antitrust investigation and respond to mounting pressure from Indian developers.

The proposal, published on Wednesday via a public notice by the CCI PDF link, outlines Google’s intention to expand Play Store access to a wider range of real-money gaming apps. Under the plan, developers will be allowed to self-declare their apps as “permissible online real-money games” under applicable Indian laws. They must also submit certification from a recognized third party verifying that the app qualifies as a “game of skill,” not gambling.

If approved, the changes would end Google’s existing pilot program, which since 2022 has limited Play Store support in India to only a few categories of RMG apps like daily fantasy sports and rummy. That pilot was launched in response to a Supreme Court ruling classifying fantasy sports as skill-based games. However, platforms offering other real-money formats, including Delhi-based WinZO, have criticized the policy as discriminatory, leading to legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny.

WinZO’s complaint prompted the CCI to initiate a formal probe in late 2024, alleging Google’s treatment of gaming apps may violate competition laws. While the investigation continues, Google’s proposal marks a significant shift toward broader inclusion of RMG apps — a market segment that constituted nearly 86% of India’s ₹274.38 billion ($3 billion) online gaming industry revenue in 2024, according to a report by WinZO and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC). That share is projected to shrink modestly to 80% by 2029 as casual and non-monetized gaming categories expand.

As part of the same proposal, Google also plans to adjust its Developer Program Policies and ad policies. If accepted, developers of verified games of skill would be allowed to advertise their products on Google platforms in India. Acceptable third-party certifiers could include industry associations such as the All India Gaming Federation and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.

The implementation timeline would see compliant real-money games made available on the Play Store within 120 days of the CCI’s approval. The ad policy updates would follow 30 days later. Google also noted its intent to work on an “appropriate business model” for monetizing RMG apps distributed through the Play Store.

A spokesperson for Google characterized the development as part of “constructive discussions” with Indian regulators and developers, and emphasized its commitment to “a more open and safe ecosystem” for RMG apps.

Notably, the proposal could benefit developers who have thus far been forced to rely on alternative distribution methods like APKs, due to the Play Store restrictions. It may also bolster Google’s own revenue by expanding its share of the lucrative RMG app and advertising market.

Still, the broader regulatory landscape remains contentious. Google faces multiple antitrust challenges in India — including a recent CCI ruling over its Android dominance — and has appealed those findings in the country’s Supreme Court. A hearing on one such case is expected next month.