Paytm App Removed From Google Play Store; Know Why

Photograph: Suprakash Mishra

New Delhi: Popular payments bank app Paytm has been pulled down from Google’s Play Store for reportedly violating its gambling policies.

One of India’s most valued startups, Paytm has over 50 million active monthly users.

TechCrunch reported that Play Store prohibits online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps and Paytm has repeatedly violated it.

Google states that if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it is in violation of its Play Store policies.

This strike could be a message to remind others of its gambling policies ahead of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches. IPL generally sees a surge of betting apps.

While sports betting is banned in India, Fantasy Sports where users select their favorite players and win if their preferred team or players play well is not illegal in most Indian states.

TechCrunch also reported that Google has asked IPL’s official streaming partner Disney+ Hotstar to display a warning before running ads about Fantasy Sports apps.

However, Paytm’s other apps, Paytm for Business, Paytm Mall and Paytm Money, have not been affected.