Google is making it easier for certain types of gambling games to be available on its Play Store. The company plans to relax its policies to allow more real money gaming apps to be listed on the platform.
Google started including a broader range of real money gaming (RMG) apps with existing licenses in 2021 and conducted trials in different countries. Now, based on positive feedback, it will extend support to more types of RMG apps not covered by existing licenses.
This expansion is set to begin in June, initially in India, Mexico, and Brazil, with plans to include more countries later.
Google’s Point Of View
Google Aims to offer new business opportunities to developers globally while still prioritizing user safety. This change will also allow developers involved in RMG trials in India and Mexico to continue offering their apps on the Play Store.
How did it happen?
Google’s decision to allow more real-money gaming apps on its Play Store comes at a time when the gaming industry is dealing with a new 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed by the government. Since September 2022, Google has been testing a program where only selected applications could distribute Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and rummy game apps created by Indian game developers.
Originally set to end on January 15, this pilot program has now been extended. After June 30, apps and developers accepted into this program will be able to continue offering their real-money gaming apps, expanding beyond fantasy sports and rummy on the Play Store.
Summary
Google plans to permit a wider variety of real-money games on the Play Store, ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations. The expanded support for real-money gaming (RMG) is set to roll out in June for developers catering to users in India, Mexico, and Brazil. Additionally, They have prolonged the grace period for apps participating in its pilot program for daily fantasy sports and Rummy apps in India, allowing them to remain on the Play Store until June 30, 2024. This move signifies Google’s commitment to providing developers with new opportunities while ensuring compliance with regional legal frameworks.
