Google Play has Opened the Door to Gambling Apps in Several Countries

Google Play has strict guidelines when it comes to gambling. So far, gambling apps have been allowed in Brazil, France, Ireland and the UK. This has changed now. In future, Google Play will allow apps of this type in 15 other countries. However, various requirements must be met before Google grants permission. In this article we will clarify what exactly these are and what to expect in the future.

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by Roel

October 19, 2021 0 1400

Google Play has Opened the Door to Gambling Apps in Several Countries

Gambling Apps in the Google Play Store

Despite this loosening up, Google Play does not simply give permission to every gambling app. As before, strict care is taken to ensure that all regulations are complied with. On the one hand, the local laws of the respective country are decisive, on the other hand, efforts are made not to give dubious sites a chance.

The countries affected by this new provision are Belgium, Australia, Australia, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Australia.

But here too there can be differences. In Australia in particular, it can lead to different regulations depending on the state. Google does not give blanket approval. Not even if the developer of the app is based in the respective country. Developers have to make it credible that all legal regulations are adhered to and that no illegal activities are associated with them. Only then does Google give permission to offer the app in the Play Store.

Developer Program Policy Preview: Gambling, Real Money Games, and Contests

The new regulations apply from March 1st. 2023. And this means that gaming providers can now also offer their online casino apps in the Play Store. This makes it possible to play online slots and live casino games can also be opened with it. More information can be found on this page.

However, the eligibility does not only include online casinos. In the future, apps can also be offered in the Play Store in Germany, which can be found under the following categories:

Lotteries
Sports betting
Fantasy sports

But it’s not that easy. Not every provider also gets authorization for the Play Store. In order to receive this, the providers have to go through an application process. Above all, the protection of minors is in the foreground. There must be no access for under 18s and the companies must be able to show credibly that this is prevented on their website.

In addition to this aspect, all companies must also have a valid gambling license. This ensures that only reputable providers ultimately appear in the Play Store. A valid gambling license is issued by the MGA, which is based in Malta, among others. But Germany is also following suit and will soon be offering its own license.

The games must also be free in the Play Store. The download must be completely free and in-app purchases are also prohibited. So you will not be able to buy any items or anything else via the app that are related to the gambling app. In addition to all these provisions, Google will take a close look at who is being granted this authorization. The subject of gambling in particular is viewed critically from many sides, so that one does not want to risk any image damage here.

Conclusion

The Google Play Store is being expanded. A total of 19 countries are now authorized to offer gambling apps. However, only under strict conditions. The protection of minors in particular plays a major role here. For adult gamers, however, the download from the Google Play Store is a welcome relief. Above all, it increases security as Google Play checks all apps for viruses.

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