Google To Allow Real Money Games On Play Store

Google plans to continue permitting real-money games on its Play Store, pending approval from self-regulatory bodies, once the government introduces a new regulatory framework for gaming platforms.

These apps will remain available for download via Google Play due to them being part of a pilot project by the tech giant. Google started a year-long pilot to offer daily fantasy sports and rummy apps to users in India in September 2022. The pilot is set to end later this month.

The tech giant’s stance would likely be a shot in the arm for skill-based gaming companies that are currently under immense pressure following the government’s recent move to implement a 28% GST on real money games.

“We intend to enable distribution on Google Play for all Self Regulatory Bodies (SRB) verified online real money games that comply with our policies. We are closely tracking all developments in this regard to determine next steps and timelines,” a Google spokesperson said.

For now, the tech giant has updated its support page to mention that it will no longer accept new apps into the pilot programme after the pilot ends. Google will still provide a grace period for existing apps that are already a part of the pilot programme to remain on Google Play till January 15, 2024.

In April, MeitY notified new gaming-related amendments to the IT Act 2021, allowing multiple self-regulatory organisations (SROs) to determine whether a real money game is permitted to operate in India.

Real money games are still awaiting more clarity from the GST Council on the exact GST norms and which companies will come under the ambit of the move. However, this is still being perceived as a black swan event for online gaming in India.

Since the introduction, several gaming startups have trimmed their workforce, while few even decided to halt operations temporarily. Gaming unicorn Mobile Premier League (MPL) slashed 350 jobs, Hike slashed its workforce by 25% and online gaming platform Spartan Poker fired 125 employees in recent weeks. 

At the same time, the likes of Fantok suspended operations temporarily, while many small real-money gaming companies are looking to get acquired amid the increased tax burden.