Under CCI Lens: Google Wants to Open Play Store for All Skill-Based Real-Money Gaming Apps in India

Google LLC has offered to modify its Indian Play Store policies for real‑money gaming (RMG) apps, proposing to scrap its existing pilot that restricts in‑market titles to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy. The proposal now permits the distribution of any skill‑based RMG app, given that developers self‑declare permissible RMG under applicable laws and jurisprudence on Google Play.

This comes after the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which launched a probe in November 2024 following a complaint by WinZO Games, called for public comments on Google’s “Play Commitment Proposal” before deciding on its merits.

Under Google’s proposal, once the CCI approves, every RMG app meeting local legal standards, and supported by third‑party certification as a game of skill, would be eligible for listing on the Play Store within 120 days.

In parallel, Google would expand its advertising guidelines to allow promotions for all skill‑based RMG apps, addressing the regulator’s concern that its prior ad policy favoured only DFS and Rummy.

CCI Probe

The CCI initiated its probe after WinZO Games alleged that Google’s selective pilot unfairly advantaged two verticals while excluding other skill‑based titles, thereby breaching competition laws.

In response, Google paused its planned global expansion of RMG apps in June 2024 but maintained the existing India pilot. Its new offer aims to resolve the investigation without protracted litigation, leveraging a CCI mechanism that lets companies under scrutiny voluntarily amend their conduct.

The Proposal

Google has proposed opening the Play Store to all self‑declared, legally compliant RMG apps, replacing its limited pilot programme. Developers would need third‑party certification, possibly from bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation, to prove their apps are skill‑based.

Google also plans to revise its ad policies to allow promotion of certified skill‑based RMG apps. These changes would be implemented within 120 days for Play Store listings and 150 days for ad policies following approval from the CCI.

Industry Impact

Real‑money gaming drives roughly 86% of India’s ₹ 274 billion online gaming market, according to a joint report by WinZO and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council. Allowing wider app access and advertising could unlock new growth for small and midsize developers currently forced to distribute via non‑Play Store channels.

The CCI has opened a 15‑day window for stakeholders to submit feedback on Google’s commitments. If accepted, the framework would preempt further antitrust action but the commission has yet to decide whether Google’s past practices amounted to a competition‑law violation.

In a statement to The Mint, a Google spokesperson said, “We’re pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real‑money games in India. This reflects our commitment to a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps across Google Play and Google Ads.”