Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 31: In a significant move that could reshape India’s booming online gaming industry, Google India has submitted a commitment proposal to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) suggesting the inclusion of more real-money gaming (RMG) apps on the Play Store—provided they qualify as “games of skill.”
The CCI, India’s antitrust watchdog, has issued a public notification inviting feedback and objections from stakeholders regarding Google’s proposed changes. Under the plan, Google aims to revise its Developer Program Policies (DPP) to accommodate skill-based RMGs beyond just fantasy sports and rummy.
The proposal comes in response to a long-standing industry complaint that Google’s existing policy framework unfairly favoured legacy platforms while sidelining innovative gaming apps. In 2022, WinZO, a popular RMG app, filed a formal complaint alleging discrimination, claiming that Google's pilot programme excluded legitimate games of skill such as board games and casual skill-based formats.
Games of Skill vs Games of Chance
According to Indian legal standards, a “game of skill” is one where the outcome is determined primarily by the player's ability and decision-making. This is distinct from games of chance, which are often associated with gambling and are banned on most digital platforms.
Under Google’s new proposal, developers of RMGs will be allowed to self-attest that their games comply with Indian laws. They must also submit third-party certifications from recognised industry bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), or the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) to prove that the games are skill-based.
WinZO responds
Reacting to the news, WinZO released a statement reiterating its concerns. “India is home to nearly 20% of the world’s gamers... Yet, Google's discriminatory conduct has sidelined this wave of innovation,” the company said, calling for fair access to platforms and opportunities.
“This issue goes far beyond app store access. It is about safeguarding the future of innovation, fair competition, and India's economic potential,” the company added, expressing gratitude to the CCI for promoting a level playing field.
What happens next
If the CCI approves the proposal, Google will begin allowing all certified skill-based RMG apps on the Play Store within 120 days. The tech giant will also update its advertising policy within 150 days to align with the revised framework.
A Google spokesperson said, “We’re pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real-money games (RMGs) in India. This reflects our commitment to building a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps.”
Industry experts estimate that with the right policy support, India's RMG sector could grow into a $60 billion global powerhouse in under a decade—driving digital exports, innovation, and employment in the process.