Google lifted its gambling apps’ ban mid-2017, allowing casinos and bookmakers to avail their apps on Google Play once again. Despite this, most people around the world can’t download their favourite real money gambling apps on the Google Play Store.
Although the giant tech company accepts casino apps on its store, it has inflexible rules for whoever wants to have their apps listed. Below is a quick overview of Google’s anti-gambling rules and what casinos do to get around them.
What are the best betting apps in the Play Store?
There is also a great range of real money casino apps available for Android too.
#1: Companies must be licensed in France, Ireland or the UK
Google allows bookmakers and casinos registered in the UK, Ireland, or France to have their apps published in its store. It’s a rigid rule to get around, which is why you probably can’t find your favourite gambling app on play stores.
If you reside in one of the countries allowed to access betting apps on Google Play, you should have no problems downloading your favourite app. For everyone else, you can get apps on gambling sites. Casinos like Betway, 888 Casino, and LeoVegas let you download android apps straight from their platforms.
Alternatively, compare android betting apps on bookmakers.net. The site brings together the best-rated betting apps to one platform. It also categorizes them by the bonuses they offer customers and whether they also have apps for Windows phones, blackberry, and iOS devices.
#2: Apps must restrict downloads from foreign countries
If you’re not from France, Ireland, or the UK, Google doesn’t want you to download casino apps from its store. It also knows you could use services like VPNs and RDPs to overcome its geo-restrictions and download apps. That’s why it authorizes casinos to deny services to people that don’t live within the countries it allows to download betting apps.
Fortunately, Google doesn’t have any authority over apps downloaded outside of its store. If you download the Bet365 app on the company’s site, you can bet, deposit, and withdraw money without facing legal issues.
A more convenient way to access betting services on your smartphone is to wager through the web. Every self-respecting casino in 2019 is mobile-responsive. If you search for an online casino on your mobile browser, you’ll be able to access it and play your favourite games.
#3: Apps should be free
All real money casino apps are free, so this is an easy rule to follow. Google also bars developers from listing Google Pay as a payment option to access gambling services. But then again, no gaming site lets players deposit and withdraw money using prohibited banking options.
There are plenty of banking companies that support payments to and from gambling sites. PayPal, the most famous online wallet, has partnerships with dozens of gambling platforms. Both Visa and MasterCard also process casino payments.
Numerous banks, Neteller, ecoPayz, Skrill, crypto, and Paysafecard also appear repeatedly on the best casino sites. If you use Google Pay for payments and want an alternative when you start gambling, there are plenty of reliable options.
#4: Apps must restrict underage players
Google demands that all gambling apps be rated Adults Only (AO). Obviously, casinos must also deny minors from accessing their services. Failure to follow this rule can result in Google suspending the liable company.
But worse than a suspension from Google is the punishment that comes from the gambling regulators. In the UK, allowing children to gamble could mean the loss of a license temporarily or permanently. Depending on the severity of the issue, the UKGC could also prosecute casino operators.
Due to that, the last thing gambling companies want is to be accused of allowing children to access their services. They have measures to lock away kids. For example, they require everyone to provide a national ID and selfie pictures to verify their identities.
#5: Apps Must Display Information Promoting Responsible Gambling
This is another rule Google isn’t alone in trying to enforce. From Malta to the USA, Costa Rica to Australia—gambling companies are required to promote responsible gaming. In most jurisdictions, they must display information asking players to be responsible gamblers.
These days, betting companies are also required to partner with organizations that help addicted players seek treatment. In the UK, for example, the Gambling Commission requires all casinos to join the Gamstop program. Gamstop is a service that lets players choose to be excluded from all forms of online gambling in the UK.
#6: Apps must offer real money Gambling
Google hates false advertisers as much as everyone else. If you publish an app claiming you offer real money gambling services, Google expects you to provide betting games. If you provide free to play casino games, the company has a different category for those services. Most professional companies stick to their word and offer gambling services, so this isn’t a problem you may experience.
#7: Companies must Pass Google’s Application Process
For a company to be published on Google Play Store, it must make a formal application to Google. The tech giant has basic guidelines it requires each app to follow. For example, each company must protect users’ data. It must have an IARC content rating and must not attempt to manipulate the certification process.
Compared to five years ago, Google’s new app rules are stricter and more difficult to pass for small gambling companies. Due to this, most betting firms don’t even attempt to have their apps published on Google Play.
Instead, they let players download apps on the companies’ official websites. Betting firms that don’t have apps invest in their mobile sites. Knowing people are increasingly comfortable with using web apps, it’s not unusual to find casinos without downloadable apps.
To Conclude
Google previously didn’t allow casinos to publish apps on its store. In 2017, the American company lifted its ban but came up with strict rules to limit the number of gambling apps in its store. Betting sites licensed in the UK, France, and Ireland can apply to be enlisted on Google Play Store. But for Google to consider them, they must follow all the rules outlined above.