15 new countries have been added to the list of nations permitted to offer real-money online gambling apps on the Google Play App Store. Previously Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil and France were the only regions allowed to offer such apps.
As of March 1st 2021, it Google announced that Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the USA may now offer gambling applications such as casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat) , lotteries, sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games.
To get whitelisted, operators must register with Google and produce relevant licensing documentation for the relevant jurisdiction.
Google will not take a commission, cut because such apps must be free, and Google Play In-app Billing is not available for free apps.
To get live on Google Play, eligible apps must meet the following requirements:
- Developer must successfully complete the application process in order to distribute the app on Play;
- 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;
- Developer must not offer a type of gambling product that exceeds the scope of its gambling license;
- App must prevent under-age users from using the app;
- App must prevent access and use from countries, states/territories, or the geographic areas not covered by the developer-provided gambling license;
- App must NOT be purchasable as a paid app on Google Play, nor use Google Play In-app Billing;
- App must be free to download and install from the Store;
- App must be rated AO (Adult Only) or IARC equivalent
- App and its app listing must clearly display information about responsible gambling.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.