Google Plans to Expand Play Store Access for Real-Money Games in India Amid Antitrust Case

Google has proposed significant changes to its Play Store and advertising policies in India, allowing more real-money gaming apps to be available on the platform. The move is part of an effort to resolve an ongoing antitrust case with the Indian gaming platform WinZO. In a public notice issued by India’s competition watchdog, Google suggested replacing its current pilot program with an expanded access framework for all real-money games that developers declare as permissible under Indian law. Developers will also need to prove that the game is classified as a ‘game of skill’ by a recognized third-party authority. This change follows a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that categorized fantasy sports as games of skill, which are legal. The proposal also includes allowing ‘games of skill’ to be advertised in India if they meet the criteria of being non-gambling. Google aims to implement these changes within 120 days after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the framework. The expanded access would benefit Google by increasing revenue from a wider range of real-money gaming apps and their ads. However, the CCI’s investigation into whether Google’s current policies are discriminatory is ongoing. If the proposal is accepted, it could also encourage developers to distribute their apps through the Play Store instead of external channels, such as APK downloads.