Caught in the Crossfire: Why Real Money Gaming Companies Face Uncertainty on the Google Play Store in 2025

Introduction

In 2024, India’s online gaming market was valued at over $3.9 billion, but a battle with Google threatens its future. As Google tightens control over Play Store payments, Real Money Gaming (RMG) companies in India face an uncertain future—caught between regulatory battles, high service fees, and the looming expiration of Google’s pilot program. 

In 2024, Google removed multiple Indian apps for allegedly violating its in-app payment policies, leading to a government intervention that temporarily reinstated these apps¹.

While alternative payment options were introduced following Competition Commission of India (CCI) intervention, the core issue remained unresolved—Google continued to charge high commissions on transactions, leading to further disputes and regulatory scrutiny.

For RMG companies, the problem is twofold:

1. Google’s high commission fees (15-30%) on in-app transactions, which could be imposed once the pilot program allowing RMGs on the Play Store expired in June 2024².
2. The 28% GST on deposits, which already burdens gaming companies, making Google’s fees an additional financial blow.

Now in 2025, with Google pausing its RMG expansion plans, government regulators stepping in, and global legal rulings influencing India’s tech policies, the future of RMGs on the Play Store remains uncertain. As of early 2025, Google has not officially implemented the standard 15-30% commission on RMG transactions, but its continued silence leaves companies uncertain about the future.

Background: The Relationship Between RMGs and Google Play Store

The Ban Before 2022

Before September 2022, RMG apps were not allowed on Google Play Store in India due to:

• Gambling Addiction Concerns – Easy access to RMGs on the Play Store might lead to users spending excessive amounts of money, raising concerns about gambling addiction.
• Regulatory Uncertainty – The RMG market in India was relatively new. The lack of clear guidelines for online gaming in India made Google hesitant to list RMG apps.

As a result, RMG companies like Dream11, MPL, and RummyCircle had to rely on APK downloads from their websites, significantly limiting their reach and user acquisition.

The 2022 Play Store Pilot Program for RMGs

In September 2022, Google launched a pilot program allowing select RMG and fantasy sports apps to be listed on the Play Store without charging in-app commissions.

This was a game-changer for the industry, as Dream11 alone gained 55 million new users in 2023, compared to only 20 million in 2022 before Play Store access.

However, the pilot program was set to expire in June 2024, leading to concerns that RMG apps would be subjected to Google’s standard 15-30% service fee, significantly impacting their profitability³.

Key Updates in 2024-2025: What Has Changed?

1. Google Pauses RMG Expansion Plans (June 2024)

• Google had initially planned to expand Play Store support for more RMG apps in India and other countries.
• However, in June 2024, Google paused this expansion, citing difficulties in supporting real-money gaming apps in markets without clear licensing frameworks.
• This decision created further uncertainty for RMG operators, as Google has yet to confirm whether existing apps will face higher service fees.

2. Government and CCI Intervene Against Google’s App Store Policies

• In March 2024, Google delisted several Indian apps, including non-RMG platforms, for not complying with Play Store billing policies.
• This triggered a strong response from the Indian government, which forced Google to reinstate these apps temporarily. 
• In November 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launched an official investigation into Google’s Play Store policies for RMG and non-RMG apps, following complaints of monopolistic practices.
•  The case is still ongoing, and Google may be required to revise its policies depending on the outcome. Now, industry leaders and legal experts are calling for stricter regulations that could classify app store dominance as an ‘anti-competitive practice’—forcing Google to reduce or eliminate service fees for select industries.

3. Legal Rulings Impacting Google’s Play Store Fees

• A major U.S. court ruling in October 2024 required Google to allow third-party app stores on Android devices, setting a precedent for reduced reliance on Google Play billing.
• If similar regulations are introduced in India, RMG companies may not be forced to pay Google’s in-app fees.

4. Google to Allow RMG Ads on Play Store (April 2025 Onward)

• Google recently announced a policy change allowing skill-based real-money games to advertise on the Play Store from April 14, 2025.
• While this does not yet impact app listing fees, it signals a shift in Google’s approach towards monetizing the RMG industry.

The “Double Blow” for RMG Companies: Google Fees + 28% GST

• If Google introduces a 15-30% commission on RMG transactions, it would be on top of the existing 28% GST on deposits.
• This “double taxation” could make it financially unviable for RMG apps to remain on the Play Store.
• As seen in 2023, Dream11’s Play Store listing boosted its user acquisition, but if fees increase, companies may return to website-based APK downloads to avoid excessive costs.
• For example, if a player deposits ₹1,000 on an RMG app, ₹280 is immediately deducted as GST. If Google’s 30% commission is imposed on in-app transactions, another ₹216 (30% of ₹720) would be taken, leaving the company with just ₹504—a loss of nearly 50% before any operational costs or player payouts.

How RMG Companies Are Responding

With uncertainty surrounding Google’s policies, RMG companies are exploring alternative strategies to sustain growth.

1. Shifting Away from Play Store

• Some gaming companies are returning to direct APK downloads from their websites to avoid Google’s high fees.
• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are also being considered as an alternative distribution model.

2. Lobbying for Government Intervention

• RMG companies are pushing for regulatory relief, urging the government to ensure fairer digital marketplace policies.

3. Exploring Alternative Payment Models

• Some platforms are experimenting with direct bank integrations, blockchain payments, and third-party payment gateways to bypass Google’s in-app billing system.

The Future of RMGs on the Play Store: Possible Scenarios

The fate of RMG companies on the Play Store depends on several key factors, including Google’s final policy decision, government regulatory action, and legal precedents.

Scenario 1: Google Extends the Pilot Program Again

• RMGs continue to operate on the Play Store without high service fees.
• The CCI’s investigation may pressure Google into providing a more favorable structure.

Scenario 2: Google Enforces Standard Fees (15-30%)

• If Google imposes standard fees, RMG companies may exit the Play Store and return to APK-based distribution.
• This would slow user acquisition but protect profit margins.

Scenario 3: India Follows the U.S. Ruling on Third-Party App Stores

• If India adopts similar regulations, RMG companies may soon distribute apps via alternative app stores, reducing reliance on Google.

Scenario 4: Government Forces Google to Reduce Fees

• The Indian government or CCI may rule against Google’s high service fees, leading to a revised fee structure.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for RMGs?

The battle over Google Play Store fees is far from over.

With regulatory scrutiny, legal challenges, and changing platform policies, the RMG industry in India is at a crossroads.

Gaming companies, investors, and policymakers must closely monitor further developments and adapt their strategies accordingly. The ultimate outcome will determine whether RMGs remain on the Play Store or shift toward independent distribution models.

1. [1] https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/google-to-delist-10-indian-apps-from-play-store-over-policy-viol
   ations-2917337 ↩︎
2. [2] https://www.tice.news/tice-tv/how-does-google-own-you-understand-the-grand-google-geopolitics-strangling-small-biz-4289170# ↩︎
3. [3] https://www.livemint.com/companies/google-to-allow-all-real-money-games-on-play-store-11705071282032.html ↩︎