Google says Google Play will start supporting more real-money gaming apps; to add service fee

Technology giant Google said that Google Play is broadening support for real-money gaming (RMG) apps this year. The development, according to Google, comes as a response to the growing demand and success of RMG apps in various markets.

The tech giant has been conducting pilot programs to explore the best ways to support more RMG operators and game types, particularly in countries with pre-existing licensing frameworks.

Pilot programs and expansion plans

The expansion includes countries like India, Mexico, and Brazil, with plans to reach more countries. In India, a pilot program focusing on Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) was launched to gauge the best support methods for developers. 

Google said the positive feedback from these pilots has led to the decision to support more RMG apps, including game types and operators not covered by an existing licensing framework.

Policy changes and developer support

According to an official Google blog post, The new policy, which is effective from June 30, 2024, will allow developers to distribute a wider range of RMG apps in compliance with local laws and Google's updated policy.

The change aims to provide new business opportunities for developers while prioritizing user safety. Google's existing policies, like age-gating and geo-gating, will remain in place to ensure responsible gaming.

Change in service fee model

Besides this, Google said it is also evolving its service fee model for RMG apps as it aims to sustain the Android and Play ecosystems. The specifics of this new service fee model, which will consider the unique economics of the RMG industry, are yet to be disclosed.

"We are working closely with developers to ensure our new approach reflects the unique economics and various developer earning models of this industry. We will have more to share in the coming months on our new policy and future expansion plans," Google said in its blog post. 

"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," the company added.

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