Google Play is set to expand its support for real-money gaming (RMG) apps, according to the latest update from the Android Developers Blog. RMG apps involve online games where money is staked on the outcome, and Google has allowed gambling and betting Android apps to appear in the Play Store in 2021 in markets with pre-existing licensing frameworks.

The expansion of RMG support will launch in June for users in India, Mexico, and Brazil, with plans to expand to more countries in the future. Google Play will continue to enforce existing developer policies to ensure user safety, such as age-gating to limit RMG experiences to adults and geo-gating to offer RMG apps only where legal. The platform also plans to implement expanded developer verification mechanisms to enhance user safety and transparency.

Additionally, there will be a service fee associated with RMG apps, and developers will now be able to use Google Play Billing. Google is working closely with developers to ensure that the new approach reflects the unique economics and various developer earning models of the industry. More details on the new policy and future expansion plans will be shared in the coming months.