Google has announced a significant update to its “Gambling and Games” advertising policy, effective April 14, 2025. This revision will permit advertisements for online non-casino games of skill, such as chess and pay-to-play multiplayer games offering real-money prizes. However, notably, this policy expansion does not extend to India, where advertising is currently limited to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and rummy operators.

The updated policy defines online non-casino games as those “played for a prize or something of value, where the outcome is not determined wholly or in part by an element of chance.” This includes games like crane games, chess, and pay-to-enter multiplayer games with valuable prizes determined by skill. While this change opens advertising opportunities in many countries, India’s restrictions remain unchanged.

In India, only DFS and rummy are permitted to advertise, excluding certain states. This exclusion persists despite the global policy update. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is currently investigating Google’s policies concerning real-money gaming apps, following complaints of discriminatory practices favoring specific game categories.

The real-money gaming industry in India has expressed concerns over Google’s selective advertising policies. Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-founder of WinZO Games, emphasized the need for policies that foster innovation and provide a level playing field for all gaming platforms.

As Google expands its advertising policies for real-money skill games globally, India’s exclusion highlights the complex regulatory environment and ongoing scrutiny in the country’s gaming sector. The outcome of the CCI’s investigation may influence future policy adjustments and the landscape of real-money gaming advertisements in India.

Key Highlights:

• Google’s updated advertising policy, effective April 14, 2025, allows ads for online non-casino skill games globally but excludes India.
• In India, only Daily Fantasy Sports and rummy operators are permitted to advertise, with certain state exceptions.
• The Competition Commission of India is investigating Google’s advertising policies for potential discriminatory practices.
• Industry stakeholders advocate for more inclusive policies to promote innovation and fair competition.