Policy · Consumer Internet & Media

CCI closes WinZO antitrust case against Google

By Startup Enthusiast · 9 September 2026

What they do

WinZO operates an online gaming platform for real-money games

CCI closed the antitrust case after India's 2025 Online Gaming Act banned real-money games

The case had challenged Google's selective approval of certain real-money gaming apps

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) closed the antitrust case that WinZO had filed against Google on September 8, 2026.
The closure was driven by the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which banned online money games.
The Online Gaming Act came into force on May 1, 2026, along with its Rules.
WinZO had originally filed the complaint in 2022, challenging Google's selective approval of only daily fantasy sports (DFS) and rummy real-money gaming (RMG) apps on Google Play under a pilot programme.
The complaint also covered Google's advertising policies and payment warnings via Google Pay.
In November 2024, CCI found prima facie that Google was dominant in three markets: licensable operating systems for smart mobile devices, app stores for Android, and online search advertising in India.
CCI directed its Director General to investigate Google's conduct in November 2024.
Google submitted commitment applications in February, April, and June 2025 to resolve the matter via CCI's commitment mechanism.

The Online Gaming Act, passed in August 2025, made the antitrust case moot because it banned the very activity WinZO was seeking fair access to.
WinZO sought to withdraw its complaint on August 25, 2026, citing the change in law.
CCI rejected Google's request to submit a fresh commitment after the law came into force, saying the proposed measures were statutory requirements, not voluntary remedies.
CCI reserved the right to reconsider the allegations if relevant provisions of the Online Gaming Act are stayed, struck down, repealed, or cease to operate.
Separately, the Karnataka High Court on September 11, 2026 sought responses from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the PMLA adjudicating authority on a plea by WinZO's foreign subsidiaries against the provisional attachment of Rs 505 crore in assets.

WinZO operates an online gaming platform that offers real-money games.
The platform allows users to play skill-based games and win cash prizes.
WinZO generates revenue by taking a cut from the entry fees paid by players.
The company has faced allegations from the ED of fraudulent practices and manipulation of gaming outcomes.
The ED alleged that WinZO generated proceeds of crime from bet amounts placed and lost by real customers through unscrupulous use of algorithms or software.

WinZO's foreign subsidiaries are challenging the ED's provisional attachment order in the Karnataka High Court.
The court has sought responses from the ED and the PMLA adjudicating authority.
CCI may reopen the antitrust case if the Online Gaming Act is stayed or struck down.