Google modifies its Play Store guidelines to approve additional games for real money

Before the end of the year, there may be a lot more real-money gaming (RMG) apps available in the Google Play Store, at least in some areas. Google began permitting applications that deal with real money in its store in 2021, but only if they fell under a government-regulated game classification. The company has since declared that it is changing its rules to allow new “game types and operators that are not covered by an existing licensing framework.” This will allow games that aren’t as popular or aren’t played broadly enough for local governments to enact rules surrounding them to be included in the Play Store.

Since 2021, Google has run many pilot programs in various parts of the world to explore how to support more real-money game operators and game kinds. In India, for example, its trial tests included Rummy card games and Daily Fantasy Sports apps. Beginning June 30, the company will implement its new policy in India, Mexico, and Brazil. Following that, operators participating in its pilot programs will be able to release their current applications, as well as new forms of real-money gambling apps, like any other developer, if they comply with local laws.

The business stated that it intends to expand the availability of RMG apps in more locations in the future, but that the age requirements for accessing those games will remain in place. Additionally, developers will be obliged to geo-fence their products so that they are only available where they are lawful. It’s also said it’s “evolving its service fee model” for real-money gaming applications in order to “help sustain the Android and Play ecosystems.” According to 9to5Google, RMG apps cannot use Google Play billing, although this is likely to change if the firm plans to take a portion of developers’ earnings.