India’s competition regulator has closed an antitrust investigation into Google’s treatment of real-money gaming apps. This follows a major legal overhaul that has effectively removed the market conditions at the centre of the dispute.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) began investigating Google after WinZO Games filed a complaint in 2022, alleging that Google had abused its dominant position through its Google Play Store and Google Ads policies.
WinZO Challenged Google’s Gaming Policies
WinZO argued that Google’s pilot programme for real-money gaming apps unfairly limited Play Store access to daily fantasy sports and rummy. As a result, other real-money gaming products were excluded.
In November 2024, the CCI ordered a detailed investigation after finding a prima facie basis to examine whether Google had violated competition rules.
During the proceedings, Google proposed expanding access to permissible skill-based real-money games and related advertising, subject to certification requirements.
However, the regulatory environment changed significantly before the investigation was completed.
India’s Online Gaming Ban Changes the Market
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, together with its implementing rules, took effect on May 1, 2026.
The new framework prohibits online money games, their advertising, and related payment facilitation. It does so without distinguishing between games based on skill and those based on chance.
Google had already ended its real-money gaming pilot and stopped accepting related advertising in January 2026.
With the underlying market effectively prohibited, WinZO requested that the CCI withdraw the case during an August 25 hearing.
CCI Leaves Door Open for Future Action
The CCI said WinZO’s request alone did not require it to close the investigation. However, the regulator independently determined that continuing the proceedings would serve no useful purpose. Indeed, the original remedies sought could no longer be granted under the new legal framework.
The CCI also left open the possibility of revisiting Google’s conduct if India’s gaming legislation is stayed, overturned or repealed. The regulator will also revisit the case if the practices alleged by WinZO return.
The decision highlights how India’s sweeping online gaming restrictions have not only reshaped the market for operators and platforms. Furthermore, the restrictions have altered ongoing competition and technology disputes involving major digital platforms.
