Google pulled Paytm off Play Store after Federation of Indian Fantasy Sport reached out to them

Earlier today we saw Google pulling the Paytm app from its Play Store on the grounds of featuring fantasy games in the app. The search giant even cleared it in a blog post that they “don’t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting.” It didn’t mention Paytm though. But it looks like Paytm is not the only app that is affected. According to a note shared with HT Tech, FIFS or Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports initiated this move by complaining to Google about it.

In the note, FIFS stated that “We observed that Google has been using its policies, rules, and regulations selectively allowing a few large companies (such as Paytm -Paytm First Games - Win Paytm Cash, by allowing them to list and promote cash contests with messages including ‘Big Money Winnings’, ‘Win Cash in Crores’, ‘Win Paytm Cash Daily’) to distribute and list their respective Real Money Gaming Apps on Play Store, without any action, hindrance by Google/Play Store and supporting this unfair trade practices.”

FIFS took this matter and reached out to Google for a solution. As this was a case of unfair trade practice that included discriminatory dealings and prejudice to the interest of FIFS members. FIFS also mentioned is that the federation insists on maintaining a level playing field.

As a result, Google took down the Paytm app from Play Store. In addition, the promotion of MPL in Times portfolio companies including Crickbuzz, Gaana, MX player has also been stopped. Even Paytm Games is not visible in the Play Store.

Here's the full note from FIFS:

Dear Members,

I am happy to report to you an important action taken by Google on its Play Store, initiated by FIFS based on the complaints received by many of the members and to ensure that a fair practice is carried out amongst all our members in the Fantasy Sports industry.

We observed that Google has been using its policies, rules, and regulations selectively allowing a few large companies (such as Paytm -Paytm First Games - Win Paytm Cash, by allowing them to list and promote cash contests with messages including ‘Big Money Winnings’, ‘Win Cash in Crores’, ‘Win Paytm Cash Daily’) to distribute and list their respective Real Money Gaming Apps on Play Store, without any action, hindrance by Google/Play Store and supporting this unfair trade practices.

FIFS took up this matter and officially reached out to Google and protested against this unfair trade practice which is in the nature of discriminatory dealings causing prejudice to the interest of FIFS members who religiously been following google guidelines, rules and policies created by Google for its Play Store.

We also insisted that if a level playing field is not reestablished, we may be forced to seek any other advice including legal action.

Google has responded to our official representation and we are pleased to inform you as an action.

The Paytm app has been taken down from Play Store

Promotion of MPL in Times portfolio companies including Crickbuzz, Gaana, MX player has also been stopped.

We will continue working closely with Google and we are confident that one day we will be able to convince them to allow all our member apps on Play Store.

FIFS will continue to strive in ensuring a level playing field for all members. Wish you all an excellent Dream11 IPL 2020.

Regards.

Meanwhile, Paytm has responded in a tweet stating that the Android app is temporarily unavailable and that the money is completely safe.

Paytm is still available on the Apple App Store, and those who have the app downloaded on their phones can still use it. There are no issues in the app’s services reported so far. Also, Paytm for Business app is still available on the Play Store.