loading
loading
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has closed its antitrust probe into Google over its treatment of real money gaming (RMG) apps following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The law prohibits online money games, their advertisements, and the facilitation of payments for such games. The CCI said the legislation has made it impossible to grant the relief sought in the case, as directing Google to host or advertise RMG apps would be contrary to the law. It also clarified that closing the case did not amount to a finding on whether Google’s alleged conduct was anti-competitive. What Was The Case About? The case stemmed from a complaint by WinZO, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position by allowing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps on the Play Store and Google Ads while excluding other RMG apps. WinZO also challenged warnings displayed by Google Pay for payments made on its platform. In November 2024, the CCI prima facie found Google dominant in three markets — licensable operating systems for smart mobile devices, app stores for Android devices, and online search advertising services in India. The regulator said Google’s decision to allow only DFS and Rummy apps could create a “two-tier market” and put other RMG developers at a disadvantage. It subsequently directed its director general to investigate the allegations. During the proceedings, Google proposed allowing legally permissible skill-based RMG apps on Google Play and Google Ads, subject to certification. However, the legal framework changed after the Online Gaming Act came into force on May 1, 2026. The law banned online money games, their advertisements, and related payments without distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. Although the law is under challenge before the Supreme Court, the CCI said no stay on its operation is in place. It therefore held that there is no longer a lawful RMG market on Google's platforms where some apps could be allowed while others were excluded. The CCI also said the payment-warning issue could no longer be addressed, as the law prohibits facilitating payments for online money games. Google discontinued its RMG pilot programme and stopped accepting RMG advertisements in January 2026, before the law came into force on May 1. It subsequently sought to submit a fresh commitment to formally close the pilot and prohibit such advertisements. However, the CCI rejected the request, saying the proposed measures were now statutory requirements rather than voluntary remedies addressing competition concerns. “Accepting such an offer may amount to treating mandatory statutory compliance as a negotiated competition remedy,” the regulator said. WinZO sought to withdraw its complaint during a hearing on August 25, citing the change in law. However, the CCI said competition proceedings are conducted in the wider public interest and an informant cannot unilaterally determine whether a case should be closed. Taking into account the change in law, the absence of an effective remedy, Google’s discontinuation of its RMG pilot and advertisements, and WinZO’s withdrawal request, the CCI concluded that continuing the investigation was unnecessary. It recalled its November 28, 2024 order directing the investigation and closed the matter. The regulator reserved the right to reconsider the allegations if the relevant provisions of the Online Gaming Act are stayed, struck down, repealed, or otherwise cease to operate. It said the decision is limited to the exceptional circumstances of the case.
document fetched 2026-09-10 02:58 · canonical https://inc42.com/buzz/cci-closes-winzos-antitrust-case-against-google-after-real-money-gaming-ban