Today, Google Play announced a policy change that will allow Android games and bets in more countries. Currently, these apps are only available in four stores around the world.
Currently, “real money gambling apps” are only available on the Play Store in Brazil, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom. They include online casino games, lotteries, sports betting and fantastic daily sports.
Previously, those on Android downloaded an APK directly from the website of a gambling service and downloaded it. There are inherent risks involved with this method, and today’s change offers a safer path for users in many other countries.
As of March 1, developers can make gambling 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 it would bring its Sportsbook & Casino app to the United States when the new Play Store policy goes into effect.
Given the “sensitive nature” of gambling and betting, developers need to complete a Google Play sign-up process and meet other requirements before their Android apps appear:
- The application must comply with all applicable laws and industry standards for each country in which it is distributed
- The developer must have a gambling license valid for each country or state / territory where the application is distributed
Apps should be classified as “Adults only” and “prevent the use of underage users”. In addition, users who are not in an approved state / territory must be prevented from accessing. The download of the application must be free of charge and the billing system in the Google Play application cannot be used.
Google warns how “attempts to bypass the certification process” and “repeated or serious violations” will result in the complete removal of applications.
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