Google Play store has very strict policies regarding gambling so it can be difficult to identify good casino apps. Google was uncompromising when it came to where real-money gambling apps were concerned. This applied to kinds of betting and gambling content as long as it involved real-money stakes and prizes. The only way to work around this. Google Play Store will now play host to online gambling apps that use real world money. One thing to note here is that the company will allow these apps as long as they meet certain criteria specified in the updated terms and conditions. According to these updated terms, these gambling apps are restricted to three countries at the time of writing.

The upcoming Google Play policy changes will soon allow real-money gambling apps, ads related to real-money gambling and daily fantasy sports apps in more countries worldwide, according to a new report by 9to5Google.

At present, Google Play Store allows content and services that facilitate online gambling in four countries- Brazil, Ireland, France, and the UK. The updated Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy which is scheduled to come into effect on March 1, 2021, will allow gambling apps in 15 more countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.

'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,' says Google Play Policy Center page.

According to the page, Google Play only allows valid licensed or authorized gambling apps that have the following types of online gambling products:

• Online casino games
• Lotteries
• Sports betting
• Daily Fantasy Sports

Meanwhile, Google India on Thursday announced that as part of the very first policy update of 2021, it is clarifying and simplifying the policies around loyalty programs and features to safeguard users and optimize the developer experience.

Google Play Real Money Gambling Real Money

The update provides more clarity on policy requirements for loyalty program disclosures and updated guidance on the use of features such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a guessing game, or a 1:1 points redemption to drive loyalty.

'While we do not allow Real Money Gambling apps on the Play Store in India, we remain committed to engaging with industry and government bodies as they deliberate on measures that will best support this industry,' the company said.

'Striking the right balance between developer creativity and user trust is critical to building a thriving ecosystem that enables these innovative solutions to become successful businesses. We accomplish this balance through a set of policies that are regularly reviewed and revised, to ensure that we do right by both developers and users.'

The rumours that Google intended to lift the ban on real-money gambling apps in their Google Play Store over the last few months have finally come to pass. The big news has finally been made official with Google’s recent updates in its policy centre. The tech behemoth have also released information to gambling operators on how best to get their products in the play store.

Conditions for Real Money Gambling App Operators

As always, Google have publicly released at least some of the rules and operator requirements that will help real money gambling app operators get a place in the store. Operators must hold a valid license to provide gambling services in a regulated jurisdiction. Another massive requirement, is the demonstration of enough commitment and ability to prevent problem gambling and underage gambling. Along with significant measures to prevent the use of the app in countries where the license isn’t valid. Google staff generally adhere to much more detailed criteria than they release to the public, so it remains to be seen how easily operators will get their apps displayed.

Limited Rollout

Google have announced that currently, real money gambling apps will only be accessible in Play stores in Ireland, the UK and France. Players will also continue to be restricted from using Google payments services like Google Play In-app Billing, meaning they’ll have to enter payment details to purchase real money apps.

Related Changes to Google Policy

In addition to the relaxation of Google’s stance on gambling apps, another related internal ban they’ve lifted is the one on gambling advertising within Google Play-distributed apps. The same restrictions that apply to the Gambling Apps in the areas of licensing, age-appropriateness and responsible gambling, also apply to gambling advertising.

The History of Real Money iGaming Apps

Since Google banned real money gambling apps in 2013, Apple IOS led iGaming market share by 34.8%. Googles return to real money play should really shake up the market. The company’s return to offering real-money daily fantasy sports apps in the US Google Play store was an extremely lucrative move for the company.

The Android vs IOS Rivalry

The Android vs IOS Rivalry is likely to have been more of an incentive to join the real money gambling market than any moral argument against facilitating gambling. Business Insider have said the European real money gambling app market is expected to grow 15% year on year, generating nearly $15 billion annually, according to the European Commission.

Official Google Statement

Online Real Gambling Real Money

A spokesperson for Google said, “We’re experimenting with the rollout of real money gambling apps in select markets over the next few weeks, in a way that ensures user’s safety as part of our continued effort to offer new experiences on Google Play.”

Google Play Real Money Gambling No Deposit

Watching the Change

Google Play Real Money Gambling Winnings

Google’s decision to allow real money gambling apps back in the Play Store is still in an experimental phase. Time will tell how factors like revenues, competition and popularity of downloads will inform Google’s next move.