Google Play today announced an upcoming policy change that allows gambling and betting on Android apps in more countries. These applications are currently only available in four stores around the world.
At this time, ‘real money apps’ are only available in the Brazilian, Irish, French and British toy stores. These include online casino games, lotteries, sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
Previously, those on Android downloaded an APK directly from a gambling service’s website and uploaded it to the page. There are inherent risks associated with this method, and today’s move provides a safer path for users in many more countries.
We are updating our policies on gambling, games and real money games so that more developers around the world can build sustainable businesses and in some way help keep consumers safe.
From March 1, developers can make gambling and betting programs available in another 15 countries:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United States
In a statement, DraftKings says it will bring its Sportsbook & Casino app to the US when the new Play Store policy takes effect. In general, there are restrictions per state:
Online casino games (allowed in Delaware, Nevada (poker only), New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
Sports Betting (Admitted to Colorado, District of Columbia (Government Operators Only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Montana (Government Operators Only), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon (Government Operators Only), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and West Virginia )
Lotteries (Only state-owned operators or affiliated contractors 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 programs 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 must complete a Google Play application process and meet other requirements before their Android apps appear:
- The 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 should be designated as “adults only” and should prevent underage users from using them. In addition, users who are not in an approved state / territory must block access. The app must download for free and not use the Google Play billing system.
Google warns that ‘attempts to circumvent the certification process’ and ‘repeated or serious violations’ will result in the complete removal of programs.
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