iGaming
India’s Online Gaming Industry Just Got a Game-Changer: AIGF Backs Google’s Bold Play Store Move
Google has proposed to allow all permissible real money gaming (RMG) formats on the Play Store in India. The move, which is part of the tech giant’s ongoing commitment proposal in an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), was met with strong support from the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF)—India’s apex body for online gaming.
As Google works to finalize a business model “appropriate” for India’s dynamic real money gaming sector, the CCI has opened the proposal for public comments, with a deadline set for August 20.
Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, lauded the proposal as a “timely and welcome step” toward creating a more equitable, safe, and transparent digital gaming ecosystem. “The inclusion of certification by recognised self-regulatory bodies is a vital acknowledgment of the rigorous compliance mechanisms adopted by AIGF and others in the sector,” Roland Landers stated.
AIGF, representing over 120 members including most of India’s gaming MSMEs and startups, emphasized that Google’s move could democratize market access and enhance innovation, especially for smaller and emerging operators.
Critically, if the CCI approves the proposal, Google will recognize AIGF-issued certificates as valid proof of legal and skill-based classification of games. This adds weight to the All India Skill Gaming Council (AISGC)’s voluntary certification process, which has operated under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court Justice since 2018. “Consistent and fair platform access will be crucial to long-term sustainability,” Roland Landers added. “This can reduce entry barriers, support MSMEs, and ultimately fuel job creation and digital growth.”
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With over 40 crore users across member real money gaming platforms and a combined industry valuation exceeding $10 billion, AIGF plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital economy. The federation also aligns its vision with the ‘Make in India, for the World’ campaign, viewing gaming as a central pillar in India’s march toward a $1 trillion digital economy.
As India’s gaming sector continues to evolve—with increasing regulatory recognition, widespread user engagement, and startup innovation—Google’s potential policy shift could be the accelerant the real money gaming industry has been waiting for.
