On Friday, the Paytm digital payment company and its First Game Fantasy app were taken down from the Google Play Store. The explanation for the removal is not yet clear, but in a blog post, the tech giant referred to its gambling policies.
Paytm said that on the platform, its Android app was temporarily unavailable. "It's going to be back very soon," it tweeted. "All of your money is fully safe, and you can continue to enjoy the usual Paytm app."
Additionally, the Android developer, which imposes similar gambling rules in most other countries, noted that if an app leads users to an external website that allows them to compete in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it would also be considered in violation of its Play Store policies.
Paytm and its First Game Fantasy application remain on the Apple App Store. Other applications on the Google Play Store include Paytm for Business, Paytm Mall and Paytm Money.
Google's announcement today is also a preemptive move by the company to remind other developers of its gambling policies ahead of the famous Indian Premier League cricket tournament, which is expected to kick off tomorrow.Earlier seasons of the IPL, which lasted almost two months and attracted hundreds of millions of Indians, saw an rise in the number of applications aimed at supporting or engaging in sport betting.
Whereas in India sports betting is prohibited, fantasy betting is not illegal in most Indian states where users pick their favourite players and benefit if their favourite player or team performs well.