In a shocking turn of events, Paytm app mysteriously disappears from Google Play Store for violating its gambling policies. The app, owned by One97 Communications Ltd, is not visible on being searched on Google Play Store whereas all the other apps including Paytm for business, Paytm money, Paytm Mall, and others owned by the company are still available on Play Store.
However, Paytm is available for download on the Apple App Store.
Google said that Play Store prohibits online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting in India. Paytm, which promotes fantasy sports service within its marquee app, repeatedly violated Play Store’s policies, two people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch.
Paytm’s fantasy sports service Paytm First Games, which is also available as a standalone app, was also pulled from the Play Store.
The Android-maker, which maintains similar guidelines in most other markets, additionally noted 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 is also in violation of its Play Store policies.
For those unaware, Paytm is owned by an Indian company called One97 Communications Ltd, which was founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma but the company had received massive funding from Fintech firm Ant Financials, which is an ally of China’s Alibaba group.
Paytm is yet to respond on the matter.
Paytm trims losses by 40%, revenue hits Rs 3,629 crore in FY20
