Google is expanding its real-money games approach on the Google Play app store by supporting “game types and operators not covered by an existing licensing framework”.
Karan Gambhir, Director of Global Trust and Safety Partnerships at Google, shared with developers on the Android Developers Blog that the expansion will take place in India, Mexico and Brazil later this year.
Gambhir stated that the policy changes come as Google seeks to keep Play in line with “developer innovation, while promoting user safety”, following up from the onboarding of RMG apps in 15 markets with pre-existing licensing frameworks in 2021.
Pilot projects in India and Mexico have also been conducted to determine how Google can support more RMG operators and game types, starting with Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports offerings.
Under the new policy, set to launch in June, RMG developers will be able to bring their products to users in India, Mexico and Brazil via Play, with more countries to be included in the future.
In addition, Google noted that developers currently participating in RMG pilot projects in India and Mexico will be able to continue offering their apps on Play following their conclusions, keeping in compliance with local laws and the updated policy.
In India, the grace period for the Rummy and DFS pilot project has been extended until June 30, when the new policy will come into effect.
For Mexico, the pilot programme for DFS will end on June 30 as scheduled before the new policy comes into force.
The inclusion of Brazil comes as the country prepares to launch its fully regulated online gambling market later this year after legislation was passed in late December 2023.
Google added that Play’s existing developer policies to support user safety, such as age limits and geolocation rules, will remain unchanged and strengthened, alongside other user safety and transparency efforts such as its expanded developer verification mechanisms.
The RMG service fee model will also be adjusted to “reflect the value Google Play provides and to help sustain the Android and Play ecosystems”.
Close collaboration is taking place between developers and Google, says Gambhir, to make sure the new approach “reflects the unique economics and various developer earning models”.
Google will also share more on policy and future expansion plans in the coming months.
Gambhir concluded: “For developers already involved in the real-money gaming space, or those looking to expand their involvement, we hope this helps you prepare for the upcoming policy change.
“As Google Play evolves our support of RMG around the world, we look forward to helping you continue to delight users, grow your businesses, and launch new game types in a safe way.”
