Google has announced that it is halting its experiment to allow real-money games on the Play Store globally. The decision was made due to the absence of a central authority to approve such apps, making it challenging to ensure the safety of users. Initially, Google had planned to allow real-money apps in India, Brazil, and Mexico starting in June, with India having a pilot program for Fantasy Sports and Rummy Apps since 2022, and Mexico since November 2023.
While existing apps from the pilot program will still be available on the Play Store in India, Google expressed the need for more time to establish a suitable framework for supporting real-money gaming apps. The company emphasized its commitment to assisting developers in responsibly building new businesses while ensuring the safety of users across various content types and genres.
Google’s decision to pause real-money games on the Play Store is primarily driven by the lack of a central licensing framework in India. Without clarity on which games are permitted in the country, Google wants to avoid potential regulatory issues. Additionally, last year, India’s IT Ministry halted the establishment of a self-regulatory body for the gaming industry, further complicating the regulatory landscape for real-money gaming.
While Google aims to support real money games on the Play Store, it is still working on developing a new service fee structure for these apps and requires more time to finalize the details. The company acknowledges the complexities of operating in markets without centralized regulations and is prioritizing the safety and interests of both developers and users.
In summary, Google has decided to pause its experiment with real-money games on the Play Store globally due to regulatory challenges in countries like India where a central licensing framework is lacking. The company remains committed to finding a suitable framework for supporting such apps while ensuring the safety and well-being of users. Further developments are anticipated as Google continues to work on establishing guidelines and service fee structures for real-money gaming apps.
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https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/21/google-is-pausing-its-experiment-of-allowing-real-money-games-on-the-play-store/