AIGF Backs Google’s Proposal to Open Play Store for All Real-Money Gaming Apps in India

India, July 31, 2025: In a significant development for India’s online gaming ecosystem, Google has informed the CCI that it is finalising an “appropriate” business model tailored to the commercial dynamics of the real-money gaming (RMG) sector. This move, disclosed as part of Google’s commitment proposal in an ongoing antitrust investigation, signals the tech giant’s intent to potentially allow all formats of RMG on the Play Store in India. The CCI has invited public comments on the proposal, with the deadline set for August 20.

Welcoming the move, Mr. Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), stated, “Google’s proposal to open the Play Store to all permissible real money gaming (RMG) formats is a timely and welcome step toward building a more equitable and transparent digital ecosystem for the Indian gaming industry. The inclusion of certification by recognised self-regulatory bodies is an important acknowledgment of the structured compliance efforts undertaken by the AIGF and other stakeholders in the online gaming sector over the years.

As the largest and oldest industry body for online gaming in India, we remain committed to fostering a safe, compliant, and innovation-friendly environment. Over the past three years, we have actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to help shape balanced and forward-looking policy outcomes for the sector. We’re encouraged to see that this constructive engagement is bearing fruit, and believe this move will empower responsible operators, support innovation, and ensure a safer experience for Indian consumers.

We are pleased that, if accepted by the CCI, Google will recognise AIGF issued certificates as valid proof for the legal and skill-based classification of games. This reflects the credibility and rigour of the voluntary certification process undertaken by the All India Skill Gaming Council (AISGC), which was established in 2018. Under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court Justice, the AISGC has applied an exhaustive qualitative and quantitative framework to determine whether a game qualifies as one of skill under Indian law.

As the RMG sector continues to evolve, consistent and fair platform access will be critical to its long-term sustainability. As the representative of the largest number of MSMEs in the online skill gaming space, we believe this move will help create a level playing field, reduce entry barriers, and give a much-needed boost to smaller and emerging operators. It will also provide further impetus to the growth of India’s online gaming sector, supporting job creation, digital inclusion, and the broader digital economy.”