Google will soon start featuring gambling apps in its Play Store, which will surely make many Android gambling fans happy. The tech giant implemented a newly updated programme policy that allows people to download real-money gambling apps in 15 countries, including Australia. These types of apps were previously allowed only in a few regions, like France, Brazil, the UK, and Ireland, but other countries will get the same opportunity now.
The new policy will go into effect from March 1, 2022. It will include the following countries — Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Germany, Romania, Mexico, the US, Japan, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Naturally, developers looking to promote their gambling content through Google Play Store will need to meet a strict set of requirements. For example, each respective government will need to approve each interested operator. They’ll also have to obtain a licence that’s specific to the type of betting they’re offering.
The operators should note that their gambling offer needs to fall under one of these categories: sports betting, online casino games, lottery, or daily fantasy sports. However, Australian players will only have access to the lottery, sports betting, and DFS.
Operators will also have the opportunity to advertise their products through app ads.
One of the most important rules operators should follow is implementing high-tech safeguards that keep underage users from accessing gambling apps. Also, they will need to restrict the countries not covered with the licences, as mentioned above. Lastly, the gambling apps need to be free and without an in-app billing system, as stated by Google.
When it comes to Australia, the type of applications that Google will accept varies because each state has its own laws. Since Australian states have their own constitution, government, and laws, the process might be a bit different.
What makes the matter even trickier is that only operators whose gambling companies are registered in Australia and licensed in AU for Australian operations will be able to offer their services via Google Play. This regulation has been in place for quite some time now, as foreign companies are prohibited from promoting and offering real-money gambling services to Aussie players.
What’s more, the Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) has been working tirelessly to shut down dozens of illegal online gambling providers. The same will apply to any company trying to offer gambling services through Android apps without jumping through the correct hoops first.
On the other hand, Apple has been allowing gambling apps in their iOS stores for some time now, but with clear restrictions on age, location, and more.
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