Google Removes Paytm App From Play Store, Says It Has Repeatedly Violated Gambling Policies

Indian payments application Paytm has been removed from the Google Play Store for allegedly violating its gambling policies, TechCrunch has reported.

The app was pulled do from the play store on Friday (18 September) after which Google, in its statement, said the payments platform facilitates online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps that allow sports betting in India.

"We don’t allow online casinos/support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting," CNBC-TV18 quoted Google's statement in a tweet.

"It includes if app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money/cash prizes," the statement added.

The move comes a day before Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament is about to begin with its new season. The tournament is believed to be an event that attracts massive betting and gambling.

For the unversed, an Indian company named One97 Communications Limited, founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, owns Paytm. However, the company has in past received big investment from Fintech firm Ant Financials, an ally of Chinese giant Alibaba group.

Paytm has over the years emerged as a popular transaction platform among users across India.