Google Extends Real Money Gaming Pilot: Startups Cry Foul

Google has extended its pilot program for online real money gaming apps in India. This decision has led to backlash from small gaming companies and startups, accusing Google of arbitrary and anti-competitive practices. The All India Gaming Federation expressed its disappointment and highlighted the need for competition regulations.

Google has announced an indefinite extension of its pilot program for online real money gaming in India, leading to outcry from small gaming companies and startups. These firms have accused the tech giant of arbitrary and anti-competitive practices. Google's decision to extend the pilot program—in place initially since September 2022—comes as it struggles to create a robust framework for real money games in countries lacking a formal licensing system, such as India.

The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has voiced strong opposition, citing Google's dominant market position and calling the move a form of market distortion and gatekeeping. AIGF CEO Roland Landers emphasized that the decision not only undermines Indian law but also limits user choice, favouring larger companies and stifling small and emerging startups.

Google's contentious relationship with Indian startups isn't new. The company has previously faced antitrust orders from the Competition Commission of India and has removed several Indian apps from its Play Store, only to restore them following government intervention. As the debate intensifies, industry experts are calling for the swift implementation of the Digital Competition Bill to address these ongoing issues.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)