Hold onto your cards because Google just dealt a game-changer for Indian online gaming! Their new policy update on real-money games (RMG) could finally open the door for poker apps to waltz onto the Google Play Store, sending ripples through the entire industry.
Google’s recent decision to prolong the grace period for real-money gaming (RMG), daily fantasy sports (DFS), and rummy apps until June 30, 2024, marks a pivotal development in India’s online gaming sector. This extension offers developers extra time to align with local regulations and Google’s revised policies, setting the stage for an expanded array of RMG apps – including listing poker apps on the Google Play Store, making it a significant win for the poker industry.
Currently, leading rummy companies such as Rummy Circle (Games24x7), Junglee Rummy (Junglee Games), MPL Rummy (Mobile Premier League), and First Games Fantasy & Rummy (PayTM First Games), alongside prominent fantasy gaming companies like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle, have apps available on the Google Play Store under the pilot project. However, the landscape for online poker apps remains different, as they still require direct downloads via APK files. Notably, Google’s new policy, set to broaden RMG app access in 2024, raises prospects that poker apps, too, might be available on the Google Play Store soon.
Highlights of the Announcement
Pilot Program Expands: After a year-long pilot with rummy and fantasy sports apps, Google is planning to welcome more RMG categories, potentially including poker, starting June 2024. Initially focusing on India, Mexico, and Brazil, this global shuffle promises broader access in the future.
Breathing Room for Developers: Google is extending the deadline for current pilot app players (like giants Dream11 and MPL) to comply with new regulations and adapt to the revised policy. This grace period, lasting until June 30, 2024, gives developers precious time to adjust without being booted from the Play Store.
Compliance and Regulation Responsibilities: Developers are responsible for complying with local laws and Google’s policy. This is particularly pertinent considering India’s recent introduction of a 28% GST on deposits on RMG operators.
New Fee Structure Incoming: Google plans to tweak its service fees for RMG apps, aiming for a model that reflects the value it provides and fuels the growth of its platforms. Details will be unveiled soon.
Recognition of Self-Regulatory Bodies: Google intends to support RMG apps approved by self-regulatory organizations (SROs) once India sets up the relevant framework. While SROs remain undefined by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the extended grace period provides temporary relief for existing apps.
Industry Implications
Google’s decision signals its commitment to expanding its RMG portfolio in India while respecting the changing regulatory landscape. Developers get to breathe easy with the deadline extension and adapt to the new fee structure. Most importantly, poker players might finally see their favorite apps waltz onto the Play Store, currently accessed only through direct downloads. However, the responsibility for compliance with local laws and Google’s guidelines rests heavily on the developer’s shoulders.
Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), applauded Google’s decision, emphasizing its potential to boost the Indian online gaming industry, particularly benefiting Pay to Play platforms, which generate a significant portion of the sector’s revenue. This move is expected to level the playing field, offering smaller developers and new platforms the opportunity to compete with larger companies while reducing user acquisition costs.
Lander noted, “As the representative body of online gaming in India, we welcome this progressive decision by Google to allow all Pay to Play skill games on the Play Store. We have been advocating the same and believe that this will give a big boost to the Indian online gaming industry, where over 70 percent of the revenue is generated by Pay to Play platforms.
This decision will help with responsible innovation and provide a bouquet of choices to the Indian consumer. It will especially help MSMEs and new developers/platforms who will be able to compete with established companies and will substantially bring down user acquisition and other associated costs.
We look forward to engaging with Google while it evolves the detailed policy and hope that the policy will be truly inclusive and help democratise online gaming in India.”
This pivotal change is set to reshape India’s online gaming sector, driving growth, competition, and innovation. As regulations evolve, how Google and the industry adapt will determine the winning hand for online gaming in India.
Credit: Pokerguru