Google's proposed remedies in CCI antitrust case could bring more real-money gaming apps to Play Store
The broader Play Store access is part of a set of proposed remedies submitted by Google to CCI, according to a notice issued by the competition watchdog inviting public comments on the 'commitment offer'. The antitrust case stems from a complaint filed by Delhi-based online gaming platform Winzo in November last year.
As part of its list of proposed fixes aimed at levelling the competitive field, Google said it would allow all real-money gaming apps to be distributed to users in India via Play Store, provided they are 'self-declared by developers as permissible online real-money games as per applicable laws/jurisprudence.' The company also indicated that it may update its advertising policies to allow ads for 'games of skill' in India as long as developers furnish proof showing that they are not 'games of chance' or gambling apps.
The deadline for providing feedback on Google's proposed remedies is August 20, 2025. If approved by the CCI, these remedies would not only let developers of real-money gaming apps reach more Android users but also enable Google to earn more revenue from a wider pool of apps and ads for these apps shown on its platforms.
As for the finer details of app fees and revenue-sharing from in-app purchases, Google still appears to be figuring it out. 'In parallel, Google is finalising its approach for an appropriate business model which considers developer commercial models in the RMG industry,' the company submitted to CCI.
In regards to the CCI's decision to gather public feedback on its commitment proposal, Google told The Indian Express, 'We're pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real-money games (RMGs) in India. 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.'
'We look forward to continuing to work with the CCI and the wider RMG ecosystem, and are confident our proposed framework will empower Indian developers, grow the digital economy, and prioritize user safety,' it added.
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), an industry body which represents Mobile Premier League (MPL), Nazara, Gameskraft, and MyTeam11, among others, welcomed the Play Store changes proposed by Google.
'Over the past three years, we have actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to help shape balanced and forward-looking policy outcomes for the sector. We're encouraged to see that this constructive engagement is bearing fruit, and believe this move will empower responsible operators, support innovation, and ensure a safer experience for Indian consumers,' Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, said in a statement.
As part of a pilot programme launched in 2022, Google only allowed apps involving daily fantasy sports (DFS) and rummy games to be hosted on the Play Store. While the pilot was supposed to last for a year, these two types of RMG apps remained on the app store.
Now, Google has proposed to replace the pilot programme and allow the distribution of all RMGs, with certain conditions:
– Developers will be required to self-declare that their apps are permissible online real-money games as per applicable Indian laws and jurisprudence.
– Developers will need to submit proof that the app 'is in good standing' with a third-party body recognised by Google. These third-party bodies include industry associations such as AIGF as well as Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) and e-Gaming Federation (EGF).
– Developers will also need to ensure that their apps are compliant with Google policies, including the Google Play-Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) and Developer Program Policies (DPP), which it said will be updated to reflect these changes.
Google said it would start allowing developers of compliant RMG apps on the Play Store within 120 days of the CCI accepting its remedies and issuing such an order.
In response to concerns raised by CCI on Google permitting ads only from DFS and Rummy apps, the company has proposed that it will allow games of skill to be advertised in India provided:
– The advertiser provides proof that it is in good standing with a Recognised Third Party. 'Recognised Third Parties will be required to meet objective criteria, and may include industry associations such as AIGF, EGF and FIFS,' it said.
– The advertiser provides Third Party Certification that the game it intends to advertise is a permissible game of skill.
– The advertiser complies with Google Ads Policies.
If accepted by the CCI, Google said that the related ad policy changes will take effect within 150 days of the regulator's order.
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