Google will allow more real money gaming (RMG) apps in its Play Store from June, starting with games from India, Brazil and Mexico followed by a global policy change.
The move was announced by Karan Gambhir, Director of Global Trust and Safety Partnerships, in a post on the Android Developers Blog. Following a softening of its stance back in 2021 for gambling apps in other regions and where local licenses for this type of content exist, the tech behemoth will now broaden its backing for various RMG apps and also allow those operated by entities currently falling outside of existing licensing frameworks.
Initially, this expansion is set to roll out in India, Mexico, and Brazil, with future plans to extend its reach to additional markets.
The decision follows positive feedback received from users and developers during several pilot programs. Game types mentioned in the announcement include Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) whereby Gambhir made it clear that existing developer policies concerning user safety, such as age-gating RMG apps to prevent under-age play and geo-gating games to those areas where they are legal, will not only remain unchanged but also be strengthened.
Other measures to maintain user safety such as the extended developer verification mechanism will continue to be deployed.
He also hinted at changes in the revenue model for these types of apps, stating, “we will also be evolving our service fee model for RMG to reflect the value Google Play provides and to help sustain the Android and Play ecosystems.”
“We are working closely with developers to ensure our new approach reflects the unique economics and various developer earning models of this industry.” Details will be revealed in the coming months, according to Gambhir.
