The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated an investigation into Google’s policies regarding real-money gaming apps, following a complaint by online gaming platform WinZO, which alleges discriminatory practices by the tech giant.
The probe adds to Google’s regulatory challenges in India, where it has previously faced penalties for abusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem.
WinZO, which offers real-money games, approached the CCI in 2022 after Google updated its Play Store policy to allow certain real-money games, such as fantasy sports and rummy, while continuing to exclude WinZO. The platform hosts a wider variety of games, including carrom, puzzles, and car racing, which Google does not permit under its policy.
WinZO claims the selective acceptance of app categories creates an unfair advantage for some developers, leaving others at a competitive disadvantage. The CCI order highlighted that this preferential treatment effectively creates a “two-tier market” and disadvantages developers like WinZO.
The CCI has directed its investigative unit to complete the probe within 60 days, signaling a swift review of Google’s practices in the Indian gaming market. This case brings to light the growing scrutiny of Google’s platform policies and their implications for competition, especially in a country with a rapidly expanding digital economy and gaming sector.
