Google Extends 'Grace Period' For DFS, Rummy Apps Amidst Pending Self-Regulatory Framework
Tech giant Google has said it has extended the 'grace period' for existing pilot apps participating in the Google Play Pilot Program for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps in India.
This move comes in anticipation of India's impending implementation of the Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRB) framework for verifying permissible online real-money games.
The Google Play Pilot Program, which was launched last year, facilitated the distribution of DFS and Rummy apps to users across India. With the pilot program originally slated to conclude on 28 September, Google has clarified that no new apps will be accepted into the pilot program after this date.
A Google spokesperson said, “We intend to enable distribution on Google Play for all Self Regulatory Bodies (SRB) verified online real-money games that comply with our policies.” Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that Google is closely monitoring developments in the evolving regulatory landscape to determine the next steps and timelines.
Under the forthcoming online gaming regulations, the permissibility of online games will be determined by SRBs. These SRBs may include multiple organisations within the gaming industry, each responsible for assessing and verifying the compliance of online real-money games with the stipulated rules and policies.
To offer their products and services in India, gaming companies are required to register under one of the SRBs. According to media reprots, the All-India Gaming Regulator (AIGR) Foundation is among the organisations currently in the process of submitting an application to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for designation as an online gaming SRB.
Other organisations, including the Bharat Online Gaming Association (backed by AIGF), the Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA), and an entity supported by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), have also approached MeitY with similar requests for SRB recognition.
The final authority for approving SRB designations, as well as the determination of the number of SRBs and their respective board compositions, rests with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
