As IPL is at the gates, Google is taking strict actions against apps that allow sports betting and has removed Paytm from Play Store, alleging that the mobile payments app is allowing sports betting through its gaming interface. Earlier in the day, Google India had published a blog post that mentioned new guidelines against gambling through mobile apps in the country.

The blog post said, “Our global policies have always been designed with that goal in mind, considering the good of all our stakeholders. We have the same goals for our gambling policy. We don’t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. This includes 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 a violation of our policies.”

Paytm in fact has replied to Google’s action through twitter, assuring its customers about the safety of their money. The tweet said, “Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google's Play Store for new downloads or updates. It will be back very soon. All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal.”

Paytm had recently launched its gaming interface, Paytm First Games, which offers more than 300 titles including Ludo, Rummy, Tic Tac Toe, Break the Bake, Fantasy Football, and Fantasy Cricket. The platform, which has Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador, also allows users to utilise the winning points to buy discount vouchers of the leading brands on the platform.