Google Temporarily Halts Expansion of Real-Money Gaming on Play Store

Google has announced a global pause on its experimental program aimed at introducing new real-money gaming applications on the Play Store. The decision comes in response to the challenges posed by the absence of a central authority to regulate and approve such apps in certain regions.

The program, which was initially launched in India in 2022 and later expanded to Mexico in November 2023, focused on enabling fantasy sports and Rummy apps. While applications that were part of the pilot program in India will continue to operate on the Play Store, the expansion has been temporarily halted.

Google has acknowledged that supporting real-money gaming apps in markets lacking a central licensing framework has proven more complex than initially anticipated. The company is committed to ensuring a safe and responsible experience for both users and developers and is working to establish a suitable framework for real-money games on the Play Store.

Furthermore, Google is developing a new service fee structure for these games, which requires additional time to finalize. The company’s cautious approach in India is likely attributed to the lack of clear regulations and guidelines on real-money games, following the government’s decision to pause the establishment of a self-regulating body for the gaming industry.

Google remains dedicated to supporting developers in building innovative businesses and reaching wider audiences across various content types and genres, while prioritizing user safety and responsible practices. The temporary pause on the experimental program reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring a secure and reliable experience for all stakeholders involved.