In a significant change to its current policy of not allowing real-money gaming apps in India on the Google Playstore, the US-based tech behemoth has announced that real-money games such as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps will be offered on its app marketplace on a pilot basis from September 28, 2022, to September 28, 2023.
The new policy by Google is set to provide a big boost for Indian real-money gaming apps that currently account for most of the industry’s revenue in the country.
“Starting September 28, 2022, Play will begin a limited-time pilot allowing for the distribution of DFS and Rummy apps to users in India by developers incorporated in India (the “Pilot Program“).” Google said in a notification published on its website.
“Applicants that successfully complete the application process and are accepted to participate in the Pilot Program will be eligible to distribute their apps on Google Play for the duration of the Pilot Program to users in India.” the notification further added.
Outlining the terms and conditions, Google clarified that the real money rummy and fantasy sports app will be rated 18+ only and will be available as a free-to-download app and will not be eligible to use Google in-app billing.
The onus will be on the app developer responsible for collecting the PAN card and bank account details of the user downloading the app.
Upon submitting the application form, Google will inform the developer of its decision on whether to allow the real money…
