Google India has decided to allow daily fantasy sports and rummy games apps on Play Store in a one-year pilot. Currently, if one wishes to play these games, one has to download an n APK (Android Package Kit) file from the respective site and install it.

In a policy update, Google said that the India pilot programme would run from September 28, 2022, to September 28, 2023. App developers (existing and new) will have to submit an application form to Google for this.

“We are constantly exploring ways for local developers to build successful businesses and offer delightful experiences on Google Play. Through this pilot program, we are taking a measured approach that will help us collate learnings and retain an enjoyable and safe experience for our users,” a Google spokesperson told CNBC-TV18

Until now, Google Play didn’t allow real-money gaming apps, which meant that online fantasy sports apps like Deam11, Mobile Premier League, Myteam11, Apna11, My11circle etc were restricted on the Play Store. These apps could be downloaded on smartphones through the websites of these companies directly.

However, gaming apps have been arguing for long that these are skill-based games and should be allowed. Google has acknowledged this.

"Daily fantasy sports (often referred to as “DFS”) are games in which contestants use their knowledge of athletic events and athletes to select or manage rosters of simulated athletes whose performance directly corresponds with the actual performance of human athletes on sports teams or in sports events," the update reads.

The pilot is open to all DFS and Rummy developers incorporated in India and Google requires these developers to have requisite safeguards as provided in the pilot terms and conditions, which include the requirement to comply with all local laws and regulations, ownership of requisite licenses and permits where required, and safeguards to ensure the app is accessible to only users over 18 years of age and residing in states where the game is not currently prohibited under local law.

Developers are also required to provide users with redressal mechanisms and customer support. The terms and conditions also require these apps not to be paid app and should not use the Google Play in-app billing.

In India, several states gave banned real-money games, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier this week, the Group of Ministers (GoM) formed to decide GST rates on online gaming, casinos and horse racing said that they are open to the view of levying different rates and considering different valuation mechanisms for all three if required.

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Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department has urged winners of online games to disclose their incomes, file updated income tax returns (ITR-U) and pay the applicable taxes.

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(Edited by : Abhishek Jha)

First Published:Sept 8, 2022 12:45 PM IST