Big News for Indian Gaming Industry
Google real money gaming apps: In a major development, Google is changing its Play Store policies in India. The tech giant is planning to allow more real-money gaming (RMG) apps on the Play Store. This change could help many gaming developers reach more users and earn better revenues. It also comes at a time when Google is facing an antitrust case from Indian gaming platform WinZO.
What’s Changing in Google’s Policy?
Until now, Google only allowed a limited number of RMG apps—mainly fantasy sports and rummy games—on its Play Store through a pilot program. But now, the company is proposing a new and more open policy.
Key Updates:
Any RMG app that follows Indian laws can be listed on the Play Store.
Developers must self-declare that their apps are legal.
Apps must be certified as “games of skill” by trusted third-party bodies.
This move would make it easier for developers of other real-money games to be featured on the Play Store, giving them a much larger audience.
Who Will Verify the Apps?
To ensure user safety and legal compliance, Google is asking developers to get a certification. This will confirm that the game is based on skill and not chance or gambling.
Trusted Certification Bodies May Include:
All India Gaming Federation (AIGF)
E-Gaming Federation (EGF)
Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS)
These groups will act as independent validators, making sure that the apps meet legal and ethical standards.
Why This Matters for Game Developers?
This is great news for Indian gaming developers, especially those who were forced to distribute their apps outside the Play Store. Many developers currently use their own websites to share APK files, which can limit their user base.
Benefits for Developers:
Access to millions of Play Store users.
Better chances to grow revenue.
More visibility for skill-based gaming apps.
By joining the Play Store, developers can also benefit from Google’s tools for payments, security, and advertising.
Why This Matters for Google?
This change is not just good for developers—it’s good business for Google, too.
According to a joint report by WinZO and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IEIC), real-money games generated ₹274.38 billion (about $3 billion) in India in 2024. Google has a chance to earn a share of that revenue through:
App commissions.
In-app advertisements.
Premium services for developers.
This opens a new revenue stream for Google in India’s fast-growing online gaming industry.
Antitrust Case Behind the Policy Shift
This policy update didn’t happen out of the blue. It’s part of Google’s response to a legal case brought by WinZO, an Indian real-money gaming platform.
WinZO complained that Google’s old policy was unfair because it only allowed a few types of games. This prompted the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to start an investigation.
Google’s new proposal aims to fix that. If the CCI approves it, developers will be allowed to list their compliant RMG apps within 120 days. Ad policy changes will be rolled out within 150 days.
What Google Says About the Change
A Google spokesperson said:
“We look forward to continuing to work with the CCI and the wider RMG ecosystem. Our proposed framework will empower Indian developers, grow the digital economy, and prioritize user safety.”
This shows that Google is not only trying to settle the antitrust case but also wants to support innovation and fair access in India’s digital world.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Everyone
Google’s decision to open the Play Store to more real-money gaming apps is a major step for the Indian tech and gaming ecosystem. It supports:
Fair competition
More opportunities for developers
Greater revenue for Google
Legal and safe gaming for users
As India’s online gaming market continues to grow, this move can reshape how real-money games are developed, distributed, and played across the country.
