Android Allows RMG Apps in Three Markets, Announces Fee Changes

Android has officially allowed real-money gaming (RMG) apps to appear on the Google Play store in Brazil, India and Mexico. The decision will come into force on June 30, 2024.

Android also allowed developers trialing RMGs in India and Mexico to continue offering their pilot products until the official launch. In line with the approval of RMG platforms, Android will also launch expanded RMG support in June. This launch of expanded RMG support will also expand to more countries in the future, Android added.

Android’s warming up toward RMG platforms responds to the strong demand for such products. In 2021, the company began onboarding a wider range of RMG apps in regulated markets. India was among the first to trial pilot RMG apps, including rummy and daily fantasy sports (DFS).

According to Android, the new approach to such applications will create more opportunities for RMG developers across the world. Karan Gambhir, Android’s director of global trust and safety partnerships, explained:

We’re pleased that this new approach will provide new business opportunities to developers globally while continuing to prioritize user safety. It also enables developers currently participating in RMG pilots in India and Mexico to continue offering their apps on Play.

Karan Gambhir, director of global trust and safety partnerships, Android

Increased Fees Will Reflect the Changes

Indian RMG developers in the Google Play Pilot Program will also have their grace period extended, allowing their pilot rummy and DFS apps to remain on Google Play until the official approval of RMG apps. Following that, developers in the country will be able to distribute RMG apps beyond rummy and DFS on Google Play to users in India, as long as they comply with local laws.

RMG developers in Mexico will likewise be allowed to continue offering their trial DFS program until June 30. After that, Mexican developers will be allowed to distribute such apps on Google Play to users in Mexico.

However, developers across India, Mexico and Brazil will have to keep in mind a variety of strict policies, including Android’s age-gating and geo-gating requirements. In the meantime, Gambhir promised that Google Play will continue to enforce a variety of key user safety and transparency measures.

In addition, Google Play will introduce changes to its service fee model while taking into mind the unique economics and developer earning models of the industry. Android will share more news about these changes very soon.

Gambhir concluded that he hopes the updated policies will encourage developers to work with Google Play, grow their businesses and launch new games.