Google has announced a "limited time" one-year
pilot program for daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps and online rummy games in
India. Until now, these apps couldn't find a place on Google Play and had to be
downloaded via APKs and Progressive Web Apps.
"From September 28, 2022 to September 28, 2023, Google
Play will launch a timed pilot to allow the distribution of DFS and Rummy apps
from developers based in India to users on Google Play in India, " the
company announced. . and its support page.
To participate in this pilot program, Android developers
must fill out and apply, which will be reviewed by Google. It "notifies
eligible persons of the outcome within seven working days of submitting the
form".
The tech giant added that "Google Play developer
accounts listed in the app category must comply with all Play rules to remain
eligible to participate in the pilot."
In a statement reported to Business Today, a Google
spokesperson said, “We are exploring ways for local developers to build
successful businesses and deliver engaging experiences on Google Play. Through
this pilot program, we are taking a measured approach that will help us
consolidate learning and maintain a fun and safe experience for our users.
Now, why is this change important? DFS and online rummy
games – grouped under the rubric of real-time gambling (RMG) – form a growing
ecosystem in the country. Google is cautious about making them available in its
app inventory because of the financial risk and uncertainty associated with it.
However, that hasn't stopped the RMG market from growing in size and
popularity, with 150 million players in the region.
By FY25, RMG is estimated at Rs 61.3 billion (Rs 6,130
crore) in India, while the Online Fantasy Sports (OFS) segment is estimated at
Rs 54.3 billion (Rs 5,430 crore), according to a KPMG report. "Premium
games, including card-based games and online fantasy games, have seen a sharp
decline in recent years, due to the high level of social media in which Indian
users pay for games if they have financial incentives," KPMG said.
Although these games are based on money, which are often considered as gambling activities, banned in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh among others, it is a fast growing market, and the penetration growing in Tier II and Tier III countries. Google's decision will be a big boost for developers as well as users.
To address the legal uncertainty in this industry, the All
India Gaming Federation (AIGF) requires all companies offering these games to
be incorporated/registered in India or have a business presence in India.
The AIGF further stated that "Entrance to the paid game
system in India shall be restricted only to users from the Indian state where
the paid game system is legalized. The paid game system shall not be offered or
conducted for the person one from those under 18 years of age.
So far, this side has produced two unicorns in India -
Dream11 and Mobile Premier League (MPL). But the Google Play driver can add
that that's an assumption.
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