Google Play allowing Android gambling, betting apps in US - 9to5Google
Facts about Google allows Gambling Apps on Play Store in 15 countries

At the moment, “real money gambling apps” are only available in the Brazilian, Irish, French, and UK Play Stores. They include online casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.

From March 1, the new policy changes in Google Play Store will allow authorised and legal gambling apps like online casino games, lotteries, sports betting and daily fantasy sports that will depend on whether these gambling apps are allowed in the approved countries.

The new rules will permit gambling apps in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US.

Google said that the new rules apply as long as the developer completes the application process for gambling apps being distributed on Play, is an approved governmental operator, and/or is registered as a licensed operator with the appropriate governmental gambling authority in the specified country.

You can see a complete list of what types of gambling apps are allowed in each state on Google's support website.

Facts about Google allows Gambling Apps on Play Store in 15 countries
The US has the largest details box by far.

The restrictions are also complicated. Most countries only allow lotteries if they’re run by the government, but some, like the UK, don’t have that restriction. And as is often the case, what’s allowed in the US varies on a state-by-state basis. Anyone looking to release a gambling app will have to do their legal homework first, considering the patchwork of laws and regulations permitting specific types of online gambling in the US.

Google said that a developer must successfully complete the application process in order to distribute the app on Play and the app must comply with all applicable laws and industry standards for each country in which it is distributed.

Previously, those on Android downloaded an APK directly from a gambling service’s website and sideloaded. There are inherent risks involved with this method, and today’s move provides a safer path for users in many more countries.

In a statement, DraftKings said that it would bring its Sportsbook & Casino app to the US when the new Play Store policy goes into effect. Broadly, there are state-by-state limitations:

Online casino games (permitted in Delaware, Nevada (poker only), New Jersey, and Pennsylvania)

Sports betting (permitted in Colorado, District of Columbia (governmental operators only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Montana (governmental operators only), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon (governmental operators only), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and West Virginia)

Lotteries (state-run operators or affiliated contracted operators only in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia)

Depending on the state, daily fantasy sports may be regulated as gambling in the U.S, and all daily fantasy sports apps published in the United States are subject to the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Apps requirements below.

Given the “sensitive nature” of gambling and betting, developers have to complete a Google Play application process and meet other requirements before their Android apps appear:

  • App must comply with all applicable laws and industry standards for each country in which it is distributed
  • Developer must have a valid gambling license for each country or state/territory in which the app is distributed

Applications are to be rated “Adult Only” and “prevent under-age users from using.” Additionally, users not in an approved state/territory must be prevented from accessing. The app has to be free to download and not use.

Google India said it is simplifying the policies around gamified loyalty programmes and features in the country, that are based on a qualified monetary transaction in the app and offer prizes of cash or other real-world value.

The policy provides updated guidance on the use of features such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a guessing game, or a 1:1 points redemption to drive loyalty.

The update aims to provide more clarity on policy requirements for loyalty programme disclosures and features, and is designed to safeguard users and optimise the developer experience.

''While we do not allow Real Money Gambling apps on the Play Store in India, we remain committed to engaging with industry and government bodies as they deliberate on measures that will best support this industry,'' the company noted.

Google was not immediately available to comment on the policy change.

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