Competition Commission of India closes Google antitrust probe

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has closed its antitrust inquiry into Google regarding its treatment of real-money gaming (RMG) applications. The investigation was originally triggered by a complaint from WinZO Games Private Limited, which alleged that Google abused its dominant position by selectively onboarding only Daily Fantasy Sports and Rummy applications through a pilot program while excluding other RMG apps.

WinZO also challenged Google’s advertising policies and the payment warnings displayed via Google Pay. However, the CCI determined that the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, rendered the dispute moot. The new legislation prohibits online money games, their advertisements, and the facilitation of related payments.

The regulator stated that because the law now prohibits the very activities at the center of the dispute, it is impossible to grant the relief sought. The CCI clarified that closing the case does not constitute a formal finding on whether Google’s previous conduct was anti-competitive.