India’s competition watchdog launches probe into Google’s real-money gaming policies
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India’s competition watchdog has launched a probe into Google’s “restrictive” policies on real-money games.
As reported by Reuters, the investigation comes after real-money gaming platform WinZO filed a complaint alleging discrimination.
WinZO filed its complaint with India’s Competition Commission in 2022 after Google’s updated Play Store policy allowed real-money games for fantasy sports and rummy apps, but continued to exclude WinZO.
Google rejected WinZO because it also offers games like carrom, puzzles, and car racing, which fall outside the accepted categories.
Two-tier market allegation
“By granting preferential treatment to select app categories, Google effectively creates a two-tier market where some developers are accorded superior access and visibility while others are discriminated against and thus, left with a competitive disadvantage,” a copy of the CCI order stated.
A CCI official is expected to complete investigation into the matter within 60 days before any further action is taken.
The probe adds to Google’s regulatory challenges in India, where it has already faced government action for abusing its dominance in the Android market.
