Google is planning a big change for India’s digital playground, it wants to open up its Play Store to real-money gaming apps. This could mean that soon, all kinds of games where you can play for cash prizes, like fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and more, may finally be available to download right from your phone’s official app store.

Here’s what’s happening:

Google has proposed new rules to allow more of these money-based games on its Play Store in India. Right now, only a few types like fantasy sports and rummy are officially allowed, following an old pilot program. Many other gaming startups have long complained that this system was unfair, they said Google gave special treatment to some games while blocking others.

Now, Google is promising to level the field. Developers will be able to put up any real-money game on the Play Store, if they show proof that their game is “legally allowed” under Indian law, and that an independent industry group (like the All India Gaming Federation or the E-Gaming Federation) says it truly is a “game of skill,” not gambling.

What does this mean for you and the gaming industry?

• All real-money games cleared by legal experts and certified as games of skill could show up on the Play Store within four months of the proposal being accepted by India’s competition watchdog (the CCI).
• The update will also let these apps be advertised online, but only if they are certified as skill-based games (so not pure luck or casino games).
• Game companies would need to submit paperwork that proves their game meets all the requirements. Certification will come from respected industry bodies named in Google’s policy – so there are still some checks in place.
• This move comes as Google faces strong pressure from Indian regulators over competition and fairness. In fact, this proposal is partly in response to antitrust cases and complaints from local startupa.

If the CCI (Competition Commission of India) agrees, you could soon see a lot more real-money gaming options popping up in your Play Store listing. Game developers are excited, as this would create a bigger, fairer market and potentially help Indian startups grow and compete globally.

And for everyday users? Downloading, playing, and even winning money through skill-based games could soon become much simpler and safer, all through the Play Store.

ALSO READ : Pranaya Gidwani’s Creative Retreat for Founders in Goa