Google Play Store to offer Real Money Gambling Apps

Ending a 4-year ban, Google Play Store will finally host real money gambling apps in select locations.

Since 2013, Android users have been unable to access real money gambling apps in the Google Play Store. It was the result of an enforced policy by Google, which decided the real money gambling market was a bit too risky.

According to recent reports, Google is overturning that decision. With millions of users accessing its Play Store every day—many of them in search of real money gambling apps—the California-based company has decided it’s a risk worth embracing.

Former Aversion To Gambling Apps

For the last four years, Restricted Content section of Google’s developer policy has referenced ‘Gambling‘ thusly:

“We don’t allow content or services that facilitate online gambling, including but not limited to, online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, or games of skill that offer prizes of cash or other value.”

The exemplified criteria for violations specifically includes, “Apps that allow a user to wager in order to earn real money.”

Only certain “gambling ads” are permitted, and only if they met some strict requirements. They had to be legal in the local area, displayed only to users 18+, and promote responsible gambling on its landing page.

Real Money Gambling Apps, for Some

The advertisement rules aren’t expected to change, but the types of apps available for download certainly will. According to Google, real money gambling apps could appear on the Play Store as early as August 2017.

The company isn’t just reversing its policy on gambling apps. It’s actively promoting their upcoming inclusion on the Google Play Store. A missive was recently delivered to a multitude of the biggest app development companies and mobile casino operators, informing them of the pending policy changes.

However, real money gambling apps will only be available in select locations, including the France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The Google Play Store will only approve apps from casinos licensed to operate, and accept players, in those jurisdictions.

Before a mobile casino app appears on Google Play France, Google Play Ireland or Google Play UK, it must first undergo inspection by the Android app center. The submission must be accompanied by documentation that proves current licensure in all eligible jurisdictions in which players will be targeted.

Open The Flood Gates

There is no shortage of Android-compatible real money gambling apps on the world wide web today. The vast majority of online casino operators provide Android apps for their customers. However, players have had to navigate a casino’s website and download the app directly. This has largely limited their player base to existing players.

This will be the first time in several years that players have been able to seek out gambling apps online via their local Google Play Store. Operators are surely anticipating a surge in new player activity as the games’ developers gain access to a new and immensely popular channel for delivering their content.

It shouldn’t take long for real money gambling apps to appear in droves once Google gives the green light. With all major operators having Android apps at the ready, all that’s left is to wait for the flood gates to open.