CCI closes antitrust inquiry against Google over real-money gaming apps
In November 2024, the CCI ordered a detailed investigation after forming a prima facie view that Google may have violated provisions of the Competition Act relating to abuse of dominance
On Tuesday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded a case against Google related to real money games. In 2022, Winzo Games Pvt Ltd had filed a complaint against Google, alleging restrictions on Real Money Games (RMG) on Google Play and issues with the advertisement policy. The CCI began a detailed investigation in 2024, but in a 21-page order, they cited several factors indicating the case should be closed.
The regulator noted the unique combination of circumstances, including the implementation of the Online Gaming Act in May 2026, which prohibited online money gaming services without distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. Google had made commitments to address anti-competition concerns and the Online Gaming Act came into force just before the investigation was to continue.
CCI stated that continuing the inquiry would not improve market access, consumer choice, or remedy the distortion identified. The discontinuation of Google's Pilot Program and advertising permissions, combined with the withdrawal of the informant, Winzo Games Pvt Ltd, made the continuation of the inquiry unnecessary. The Act's validity is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court, but for now, it remains the governing law.
The CCI reserved the right to take action if the relevant provisions of the Online Gaming Act were repealed or ceased to operate.
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- CCI closes real money games-related case against Google economictimes.indiatimes.com
