Google has submitted a formal commitment proposal to India’s competition watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), aiming to resolve an ongoing antitrust dispute. The tech giant intends to expand access to the Play Store and advertising platforms for a broader range of real-money gaming (RMG) applications in the Indian market.
Shifting Strategy: From Pilot Programs to Open Access
The proposal seeks to replace Google’s current restrictive pilot program with a more inclusive framework. Under the new terms, developers would be permitted to distribute real-money games on Google Play, provided the apps are self-declared as permissible under applicable local laws. Crucially, developers must furnish proof from an authoritative third-party body confirming that their application qualifies as a “game of skill” rather than gambling.
This initiative follows a series of regulatory pressures. In 2022, Google launched a limited pilot for fantasy sports and rummy following a Supreme Court ruling that categorized such activities as games of skill. However, this move sparked legal backlash, including a lawsuit from the gaming platform WinZO, which alleged that Google’s policies were discriminatory. Consequently, the CCI ordered a formal probe into these practices in November 2024.
Regulatory Timeline and Industry Impact
If the CCI approves the proposal following a period of public consultation, Google expects to implement the changes within 120 days for Play Store distribution and 150 days for advertising policy updates. Recognized third-party validators for these games could include industry associations such as the All India Gaming Federation or the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.
Market Dynamics and Revenue Potential
The real-money gaming sector is the backbone of India’s online gaming industry, representing approximately 86% of total revenue—roughly $3 billion in 2024. According to a joint report by WinZO and the IEIC, this market is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2029.
By opening the ecosystem, Google stands to capture a share of the significant revenue generated by these apps and their associated advertising campaigns. Furthermore, the move provides a legitimate path for developers who currently rely on side-loading APK files via their own websites to reach users through the official store.
A Broader Antitrust Landscape
This proposal is part of a wider conflict between Google and Indian regulators regarding the company’s dominance in the Android and Play Store ecosystems. While Google continues to contest previous antitrust fines in the Supreme Court, the company maintains that its latest proposal is a constructive step toward fostering a safe and open digital economy.
“We are pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework,” a Google spokesperson stated. The company remains under investigation by the regulator, which is still evaluating whether Google’s previous policies constituted anti-competitive or discriminatory conduct.
The official public notice from the CCI is currently open for industry feedback, marking a critical juncture for the future of mobile gaming in South Asia.