Google Pauses Real-Money Gaming App Pilot Program
Google has temporarily suspended its pilot program for real-money gaming apps on the Play Store. This program allowed fantasy sports and rummy games to be listed on the mobile app marketplace. The suspension affects multiple countries, but India has been granted a grace period.
The pilot program began in July 2023. It was later expanded to include India, Brazil, and Mexico in January 2024. Google’s decision to pause the program stems from the lack of a central licensing framework in these markets.
Google spokesperson explains the challenges:
“Expanding support for real-money gaming apps in markets without central licensing has been more difficult than expected. We need more time to get it right for our developers and users’ safety.”
This pause is a setback for India’s online gaming sector. The industry faces ongoing debates about whether these games are skill-based or chance-based. Legal challenges to online gaming bans in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are still pending in the Supreme Court.
Google is now working on its own framework to define permissible applications in this sector. In the meantime, existing fantasy sports and rummy apps in India can remain on the Play Store.
The pilot program had allowed major Indian gaming companies to list their apps. These included Dream11, Gameskraft, and Games24x7. Currently, apps like Dream11, RummyCulture, RummyCircle, and My11Circle are still available on the Play Store.
Google’s decision comes as India’s plan for self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) to certify permissible apps has not materialized. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) may take charge of regulating the sector, but discussions are ongoing.
The online gaming industry has expressed disappointment with Google’s decision. Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, called the move “arbitrary and anticompetitive.” He raised concerns about how Google’s market dominance in India could affect app distribution.
A Google executive provided additional context:
“We initially thought six months would be enough to establish our framework. However, our experience in trial markets showed we need more time. We’re working on a new dedicated policy framework and will introduce it as soon as possible.”
This suspension highlights the complex challenges in regulating real-money gaming apps. It also underscores the need for clear legal frameworks in emerging markets. The situation remains fluid, with potential impacts on app developers, users, and the broader gaming industry.
