Gambling Google Play
Google Play Gambling Apps Will Differ Based on the Country Nations will have their own set of rules when it comes to the real-money gambling apps at Google Play. Some countries will have access to online casino games, daily fantasy sports, lotteries, sports betting, and poker. Others can only access apps that cater to specific types of gambling. Non-iPhone gamblers rejoice: The Google Play Store will soon allow gambling apps. © Provided by MashableGoogle Play Store will soon let Android users download gambling apps There are, of course, a. A consumer filed a class-action complaint on Wednesday in the Northern District of California against Google and Google Payment Corp. Alleging that they “profit(s) from illegal gambling games developed by Zynga, Inc. And offered, sold, and distributed by Google through its Google Play Store for consumers to download and play.” This occurred a few days after Zynga was hit with a class. The immediate impact of the Google Play expansion of gambling apps into the Asia-Pacific region will likely be limited due to the illegal nature of online gambling in most of these jurisdictions, but it does appear to be laying down an important part of the technological infrastructure should laws change in.
If lawmakers and regulators were already up in arms about loot boxes, especially in mobile games, they might have a storm coming once real gambling and betting apps start arriving on Google Play Store. Such apps that involve the risk of losing large sums of money have always been a thorny subject, which is why they were limited to an extremely low number of markets. Starting March, however, that will no longer the case as Google Play adds 15 more countries to that list.
To be clear, Google Play will not simply allow any and all gambling and betting apps to litter Android’s app marketplace, which is already a bit of a mess considering the loose requirements for submitting apps. Given the legal liabilities it might incur, Google is actually imposing stricter requirements for those who want to have their apps officially on Google Play Store.
First, of course, is the country requirement, which was previously limited only to Brazil, France, Ireland, and the UK. There are now 19 in total with the addition of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and, of course, the US.
Even if the developer of the app is located in those territories, Google won’t grant them a blanket approval. Developers will have to provide documentation proving their legal operations, which may vary from country to country or, in the case of the US, from state to state. Even when approved, those apps won’t just show up on Google Play Store for everyone but only in the same country of origin. They will also be labeled “Adult Only” to prevent under-age users from accessing them.
The stringent requirements are, of course, necessary considering the sensitive nature of gambling apps. Unfortunately, Android’s open platform does allow sideloading such apps outside of the Google Play Store, often with unforeseen consequences when it comes to security and privacy.
Today, Google Play announced an upcoming policy change that will allow gambling and betting Android apps in more countries. These applications are currently only available in four stores around the world.
Does Google Play Allow Gambling Apps
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.
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.
We’re updating our Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy so more developers around the world can build sustainable businesses, and in a way that helps keep consumers safe.
Starting on March 1, developers can make gambling and betting apps available in 15 more countries:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United States
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)
Google Play Gambling Games
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 the Google Play In-app Billing system.
Google warns how “attempts to bypass the certification process” and “repeated or serious violations” will result in full removal of apps.
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