Google halts pilot to expand RMG on Play Store amid legal framework concerns
Alphabet-owned giant pauses scheme to oversee RMG apps on Play Store due to queries surrounding a lack of authority to approve games
Google has confirmed it has halted its pilot scheme to allow new types of real-money gaming (RMG) apps on the Play Store across Mexico, India and Brazil.
The company has explained that the decision stems from challenges surrounding a lack of authority to approve the games in certain regions, as per techcrunch.
In January, Google announced RMG apps would be allowed in India, Brazil and Mexico, so long as those apps adhered to user safety requirements, something the company has previously explained is a priority.
Google made clear it would launch expanded RMG support halfway through 2024 in the aforementioned markets.
A pilot programme for digital fantasy sports (DFS) and rummy has been in place in India since 2022, while in Mexico that has also been the case since 2023.
Google has revealed that the apps already involved in India’s pilot programme will be able to continue operating on the Play Store in India after extending the grace period.
“In India, we are extending the grace period of the pilot programme, so existing apps offering DFS and rummy games, can remain on [the] Play [Store] and users can continue to enjoy them,” a statement from a Google spokesperson revealed.
The statement continued, as Google admits it needs more time to achieve all of its RMG ambitions.
The statement read: “Expanding our support of real-money gaming apps in markets without a central licensing framework has proven more difficult than expected and we need additional time to get it right for our developer partners and the safety of our users.
“Google Play remains deeply committed to helping all developers responsibly build new businesses and reach wider audiences across a variety of content types and genres.”
Google went on to add that the company is aiming to identify a suitable framework to ensure it can support RMG on the Play Store, while also confirming its plans to implement a new service fee structure for real-money games, but it will need more time to oversee its development.