Google has allowed real money gambling and betting apps on its Play Store that will be available for users in 15 countries including the US.
As of now, gambling apps are only allowed in Brazil, France, Ireland, and the UK.
The update will enable developers to make real-money gaming apps, in-app ads related to real-money gambling, and daily fantasy sports apps available on Google Play in the eligible countries.
Google Play Store from March 1 with the new policy changes will allow authorised and legal gambling apps such as online casino games, lotteries, sports betting and daily fantasy sports. However, that will only depend on whether these gambling apps are allowed in the approved countries.
The new rules will permit gambling apps in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US.
Google further stated that the new rules are only applicable once the developer completes the application process for gambling apps to be distributed on Play and that it is an approved governmental operator and/or is registered as a licensed operator with the appropriate governmental gambling authority in the specified country.
Google in its statement stated that “For all other apps which do not meet the eligibility requirements for gambling apps noted above, we don’t allow content or services that enable or facilitate users’ ability to wager, stake, or participate using real money (including in-app items purchased with money) to obtain a prize of real-world monetary value”.
However, gambling in real money is illegal in India.
