Overview

• Google submitted a formal commitment proposal to the Competition Commission of India on July 30–31 to settle an antitrust probe over its 2022 pilot limiting real-money gaming apps.
• Under the plan, developers could list any legally permissible real-money game by self-declaring it meets Indian law and securing certification from recognized third parties such as AIGF, EGF and FIFS.
• Google pledged to update its Developer Program Policies and ad rules to allow certified games of skill, while finalizing an appropriate revenue-sharing model for real-money gaming apps.
• If the CCI approves the commitments, compliant apps could appear on Google Play within 120 days and related advertising changes would take effect within 150 days of the order.
• Industry bodies like the All India Gaming Federation have welcomed the move, whereas WinZO cautions that Google’s control over certifier selection may perpetuate opaque approval processes.