The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated a formal investigation into Google's policies concerning real-money gaming apps on its Play Store. This move comes after a complaint from WinZO Games, an online gaming platform, which accused Google of discriminatory practices that favor certain gaming categories over others. The investigation highlights ongoing regulatory challenges for Google in India, a key market for the tech giant.

WinZO's complaint centers around Google's updated gaming app policy, which permits real-money games in categories like fantasy sports and rummy but excludes others such as carrom, puzzles, and car racing. This selective approval has led to accusations of a biased two-tier market system that disadvantages certain app developers. The CCI's order notes that this preferential treatment grants some developers superior access and visibility on the platform, while leaving others at a significant competitive disadvantage.

The investigation will cover Google LLC, Alphabet Inc., Google India Pvt. Ltd., and Google India Digital Services Pvt. Ltd. The CCI has tasked its Director General with conducting a detailed probe into these allegations, which include abuse of dominant market position and denial of market access. The investigation is expected to conclude within 60 days.

Google has defended its actions by citing legal, regulatory, and safety considerations, arguing that the fragmented regulatory framework for real-money games in India necessitated caution. The company maintains that its pilot program, which includes only Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy, was designed to better understand the real-money gaming landscape in India.

This investigation adds to Google's growing list of regulatory challenges in India, where it has already faced penalties for allegedly abusing its market dominance, particularly in the Android operating system sector. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by stakeholders in the digital gaming industry, as it could have significant implications for the market dynamics of real-money gaming apps in India.