- Google proposes allowing all real-money games on the Play Store in India with third-party “game of skill” certification.
- Move aims to settle an antitrust case filed by WinZO over Google’s limited 2022 pilot for fantasy sports and rummy apps.
- CCI seeks public feedback on the plan; Play Store changes could roll out in 120 days and ad policy updates in 150 days.
- India’s real-money gaming market generated ₹274.38B in 2024, with Google eyeing new revenue opportunities in the sector.
Google is preparing to make a major change to its Play Store policies in India, proposing to allow a wider range of real-money gaming (RMG) apps on its platform.
The move is part of a commitment proposal submitted to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as the company seeks to resolve an ongoing antitrust case brought by local gaming platform WinZO.
On Wednesday, the CCI issued a public notice inviting comments on Google’s offer, which, if accepted, could transform the country’s online gaming landscape. The proposal outlines sweeping changes to both Google Play distribution rules and advertising policies, giving more developers access to one of India’s most important digital platforms.
From Pilot Program to Full Rollout
Google’s plan would replace its limited 2022 pilot program, which only allowed daily fantasy sports and rummy apps on the Play Store. That pilot followed a Supreme Court ruling categorizing fantasy sports as “games of skill” and therefore legal under Indian law.
Under the new framework, Google proposes allowing all real-money games that are self-declared by developers as compliant with applicable Indian laws and jurisprudence. However, to prevent misuse, developers would need to submit proof from an authoritative third-party body certifying the app as a “game of skill.”
Recognized certifying bodies could include the All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation, and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.
Responding to Industry Pressure
Google’s proposal comes after a lengthy legal battle. Soon after the 2022 pilot launch, WinZO filed a complaint in the Delhi High Court arguing that the program unfairly excluded other real-money games.
The case eventually landed before the CCI, which ordered a full investigation in November 2024 into whether Google’s policies were discriminatory.
The stakes are high. Real-money gaming dominates India’s online gaming market, accounting for nearly 86% of industry revenue in 2024, roughly ₹274.38 billion ($3 billion), according to a joint report by WinZO and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council.
The sector is projected to grow to ₹785.51 billion ($8.9 billion) by 2029, even as non-real-money games gain ground.
Ad Policy Updates and Developer Incentives
Alongside expanding access to the Play Store, Google has also proposed updating its advertising policies. Under the plan, “games of skill” certified by third parties would be eligible to advertise in India through Google Ads.
The company has pledged to finalize a new business model tailored to real-money game developers as part of the policy revamp.
If approved by the regulator, Google plans to roll out the Play Store changes within 120 days and update ad policies within 150 days.
“We’re pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real-money games in India,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement. “This development reflects our constructive discussions with the CCI and the Indian developer community, along with our commitment to building a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps across Google Play and Google Ads.”
Implications for Developers and the Market
If the proposal gets the green light, it could be a game changer for Indian developers who currently distribute their apps via APK downloads outside the Play Store. Having official access to Google’s distribution and advertising ecosystem would provide greater visibility and user trust, while also opening up new revenue opportunities.
For Google, the move could help secure a larger share of India’s booming RMG market and alleviate growing regulatory scrutiny. However, the CCI’s probe into whether the company engaged in anti-competitive practices is still ongoing.
The proposal is just the latest chapter in Google’s regulatory battles in India, where the tech giant has already been fined for allegedly abusing its dominance through Android and Play Store practices. The company is appealing one such ruling in the Supreme Court, with a hearing expected next month.
A Turning Point for India’s Gaming Ecosystem?
Industry experts say that if the CCI accepts Google’s offer, it could reshape the country’s gaming landscape. “This could empower local developers, bring more games into the mainstream market, and give users safer access to real-money apps,” said one analyst following the case.
For now, all eyes are on the regulator and the public feedback process. A decision in favor of the proposal could mark a significant step in balancing user safety, developer opportunity, and market competition in India’s fast-growing digital economy.
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