Row erupts when Google pulls Paytm from its Play Store after alleged violations and brings it back

Last updated on February 15th, 2023 at 12:47 pm

The IPL has been the most famous platform for fantasy gaming companies to increase their customers. However, Google’s unexpected move came when cricket fans were eagerly waiting for the Indian Premium League (IPL) to begin from 19 Sept.

A huge row erupts on Friday as Google Play pulls the biggest online payment application Paytm on alleged infringement of its betting policies. However, Paytm’s gaming platform, First Games, was still missing from the Google Play Store. 

When Paytm was pulled off the local payment company stated that it has 350 million users and their money is safe with us – the Paytm Android App will be back on Google Play Store soon.” 

The problem emerged over a Paytm Cricket League game on Friday morning that permitted users to win stickers of their favorite cricket stars and later win money for every collected sticker. Paytm has a “Scratch and Win” promotion on its application from the start but, if an app directs consumers to an external website for the betting game or winning a cash prize, is against company policies.

Madhur Deora, president of One97 Communications Pvt., expressed that the five-sticker game brought about by Paytm was straightforward and not anymore a betting game than Google Pay’s own cashback promotions.

Google India stated in a blog that it didn’t permit online gambling or encouraged sports betting applications. As it doesn’t permit them to participate in paid competitions to win cash prizes, it is an infringement of Google policies, citing Suzanne Frey, VP.

Despite the fact that a sports betting is viewed as illegal in the nation, a 2017 judgment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court had stated that playing fantasy games required attention, knowledge, and judgment. The court likewise had held that ‘the component of skill’ impacted the result of such games. This decision was later maintained by the Bombay High Court, the Business Standard announced. 

The IPL has been the most famous platform for fantasy gaming companies to increase their customers. However, Google’s unexpected move came when cricket fans were eagerly waiting for the Indian Premium League (IPL) to begin from 19 Sept.

Read: Is India the new tech garage of the world?