Google seeks to apply a policy change to allow the distribution of all ‘permissible real-money games’ (RMGs) on PlayStore for Indian consumers. The changes aim to address competition concerns to ensure equal access for developers in the RMG category.

A policy revision has been submitted to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in response to an ongoing antitrust claim made by Winzo Games. A developer of skill and RMG titles, Winzo alleges that Google’s current policies unfairly deny market access to its games, but allow PlayStore to promote and distribute apps for fantasy sports and rummy verticals.

Reviewing Winzo’s complaint, the CCI is examining whether Google’s rules set by its ‘pilot programme’ are unfairly restrictive to other RMG developers who have been denied a distribution channel on Android systems.

“Distribution on Google Play is essential for app developers to reach a large audience,” the CCI noted on preliminary findings. “The exclusion of certain RMG apps could result in a denial of market access.”

Playstore has distributed fantasy sports and rummy games since 2022, as they are qualified under Indian law as ‘skill games’. Last year, Google expanded RMG categories under a new ‘pilot programme’ for the markets of Brazil, India and Mexico, a decision taken with a view of forthcoming regulatory changes.

However, due to a lack of regulatory clarity, Google paused the ‘pilot programme’, choosing to review PlayStore policies on an individual market basis.  

In response, Google confirmed that it was willing to review the structure of its pilot programme for India. New policies would see Google accept “all real-money games deemed legal under Indian jurisprudence”.   

Eligibility for the Playstore distribution would be granted on the condition of developers securing third-party certification from a recognised industry body, such as AIGF, EGF or FIFS, confirming the game qualifies as a “permissible game of skill.”

Google cites that “The RMG Policy Update ensures that any alleged advantage previously conferred to DFS and rummy apps is eliminated, and the competitive field is levelled.”

For India, Google is prepared to update its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) and Developer Programme Policies (DPP) to reflect the new terms. Developers would be required to meet compliance standards not only under Indian law, but also Google’s own platform rules.

Alongside the store update, Google has also proposed revisions to its advertising policies, which currently permit ads only for DFS and rummy games. The new ad policy would similarly apply to all certified RMGs, provided advertisers demonstrate legal standing and obtain third-party validation.

“Google will allow all RMGs… that constitute games of skill to be advertised in India,” the company added. “Any alleged concerns of restrictions imposed on non-DFS or Rummy RMG apps can or will no longer persist in relation to the Ads Policy.”

The CCI is reviewing whether Google’s conduct may have violated Section 4 of India’s Competition Act, which prohibits abuse of dominant market position. Its preliminary view raised concerns about “selective onboarding,” prolonged restrictions on distribution, and “potentially discriminatory enforcement” of Google’s advertising policies.

A final ruling is pending, but if the proposals are accepted, Google would be required to implement the new Play Store framework within 120 days and its ad policy overhaul within 150 days of the CCI’s approval.

“These commitments ensure inclusive access to Google Play and Google Ads for all compliant RMGs,” Google concluded, “eliminating any alleged competitive disadvantages.”

India is one of the largest mobile gaming markets globally, with over 600 million smartphone users and a rapidly expanding real-money gaming ecosystem. However, the space remains tightly contested and frequently litigated, with legal definitions of “skill” vs “chance” under constant scrutiny in state and federal courts.

Google’s proposed policy shift reflects both legal pressure and strategic recalibration, as it seeks to navigate an increasingly regulated and politically sensitive digital ecosystem. The outcome of this CCI case could have broader implications for how global platforms manage legal compliance and content governance in emerging markets.

“We welcome fair competition and are committed to working constructively with regulators to improve developer access and consumer choice,” Google noted.

Source