In a notable development for the gaming industry, Google has revealed plans to broaden the scope of real-money gaming (RMG) apps available on the Play Store in India. Currently, the Play Store permits approved rummy and daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps as part of a pilot program initiated in September 2022. However, as of July 2024, developers will gain the flexibility to distribute a more diverse range of real-money gaming apps, as long as they adhere to local laws and Google’s RMG app policies.
Google Play’s decision is based on insights garnered from the ongoing pilot programs and positive feedback received from both users and developers. The expansion will encompass game types and operators not covered by existing licensing frameworks.
Significance for the Gaming Industry:
The move holds considerable significance for the real-money gaming industry, as distribution through the Play Store provides a substantial advantage in terms of reaching a broader user base compared to alternative methods like sideloading or third-party app stores.
Alignment with India’s Online Gaming Rules:
India’s online gaming rules, introduced as an amendment to the IT Rules in April 2023, rely on self-regulation by industry stakeholders through self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) approved by the IT Ministry. According to these rules, gaming platforms can only host real-money games that have been verified by a self-regulatory body. However, as the government has not yet sanctioned any SRBs, these rules are not fully enforceable at present.
Google’s decision seems to align with the interim period before the self-regulatory rules come into full effect. Until approved SRBs are in place, it appears that Google Play will allow the hosting of all real-money gaming apps, contributing to a more open landscape for developers and users alike.
As the gaming industry evolves and adapts to regulatory frameworks, Google’s move reflects a commitment to supporting innovation and expanding opportunities within the rapidly growing real-money gaming sector in India.
