Mobile Gambling Restrictions in India Draws AIGF Disapproval

Over the past few years, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has been tirelessly advocating for the expansion of skill-based games and the growth of real-money gambling app development by Indian companies.

This is in keeping with their charter, which reads:

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“The key objective of the AIGF is to ensure global best practices across the Online Gaming eco-system through effective self-regulation for its members and other stakeholders, including responsible gaming and player protection.”

However, one of the ongoing points of contention is how Google policy changes negatively impact local customer access to skill games on mobile and how it limits the growth of the Indian app development sector.

The Detrimental Impact of Google’s Monopoly

The AIGF is concerned that 90% of India's mobile casino apps and non-gaming-related apps are hosted on the Google Play Store. With the Federation's drive to focus India's growing technology-rich pool of human resources on app development, this is a significant concern for two reasons.

The first concern is that Google's policies to manage the accessibility and cost of the products these local companies produce directly control the financial viability of app development companies. A decision to disallow specific imagery or game types with impunity can destroy upcoming studios.

Secondly, their local market dominance means India will need help to create its own mobile app marketplace. It is nearly impossible to be both viable as a business and a competitor to the Play Store.

 Additional Legislation Can Shift the Odds of Success

According to AIGF, this form of technological colonialism is not limited to Google and its dominance of its app store in India. Instead, every large tech provider in the online space has gained a foothold in India without the need for local licensing or any form of business investment in the country.

Roland Landers, the CEO of AIGF, has called on the Indian government to look to Asian and European markets. In these markets, these companies need to partner with local institutions to avoid stifling local entrepreneurship and encourage fair business practices.

In the meantime, Roland has stated that he and AIGF will continue to challenge Google over its unfair and harmful Play Store policy changes to all the local skill gambling app markets to establish itself and flourish.

With mobile penetration in India estimated to be around 82% and a total population of 1.44 billion, creating a substantial mobile industry is key to the continued growth and development of the country. Doing so free from the restraints of overseas entities that only value the country as a source of income and care nothing for its people must be central to government planning.

 Try Your Hand at Popular Indian Casino Games

The impact of India on the online gambling sector is not limited to their incredible technical ability. India has provided the online gambling community with several entertaining casino games which have found an international audience.

Here are our top India casino game recommendations:

1. Andar Bahar: Andar Bahar is a traditional Indian card game where players bet on which side, Andar or Bahar, the matching card will appear. Its simple rules and fast-paced nature make it popular for quick, thrilling entertainment.
2. Teen Patti: Teen Patti is a popular Indian card game like poker. In it, players aim to have the best three-card hand. Known for its exciting gameplay and easy-to-learn rules, it's perfect for casual fun and high-stakes competition.
3. Paplu: Indian Rummy is a classic card game where players aim to form sets and sequences with the cards they are dealt. Its strategic gameplay and blend of skill and luck make it a favourite among card enthusiasts in India.

While Baccarat does not originate from India, it is often found on popular lists of top-rated casino games played by gamblers in the country.