Paytm ran a promotion where users could receive stickers for every transaction, which can later be redeemed for Paytm Cashback. The promotion coincided with the start of the Indian Premier League T20 tournament.
However, Google released a statement saying it won’t allow any apps in the store that breach its no-gambling policies, or lead customers “to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes.”
Paytm informed its customers: "We received communication from Google that they are suspending our app because they believe this to be a violation of their Play Store policies on gambling.
"The Paytm Android app has thus been unlisted from Google’s Play Store and is temporarily unavailable to users for new downloads or updates.”
The app was quick to remove the promotion and is now available on the store once more.
But Paytm maintains the cashback campaign was within the guidelines. The company added: “We wish to make it clear that driving traffic or promoting fantasy sports is not gambling!”
Paytm also insisted Google is “making policies which are over and above the laws of our country, and are arbitrarily implementing them.”
