Gambling apps

Google Play has announced that it will expand real-money gambling apps to 15 countries, including the United States. Up until now, it only offered Android gambling apps in Brazil, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

According to 9to5Google:

"Beginning on March 1, 2021, the new countries that can download real-money gambling apps through Google Play include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US. "

Google Play Gambling Apps Will Differ Based on the Country

Nations will have their own set of rules when it comes to the real-money gambling apps at Google Play. Some countries will have access to online casino games, daily fantasy sports, lotteries, sports betting, and poker. Others can only access apps that cater to specific types of gambling.

UK Android users, for example, can enjoy any type of regulated gambling app. In contrast, the US must follow a myriad of rules that differ by the state (covered next). That said, app developers will have their hands full going through the various rules for each state, country, and region.

Which US States Can Enjoy Google's Gambling Apps?

Online casino apps available in:

Delaware
New Jersey
Pennsylvania

Michigan could be added to the list, though, as their casino gaming market matures.

Sports betting apps available in:

Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Montana (government operators only)
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Oregon (government operators only)
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
West Virginia
Washington D.C. (government operators only)

State-run lottery apps available in:

Georgia
Illinois
Kentucky
Maine
Michigan
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Virginia

Many states feature regulated daily fantasy sports. These same states will enjoy access to DFS apps, provided the operators follow Google Play's protocols.

Gambling App Developers Must Complete an Application Process

Not just anybody from the US or the other previously mentioned countries will be able to offer a gambling app. Instead, developers will need to go through an application process.

The application's main purpose is to determine that the given developer actually holds a license in relevant jurisdictions. If they want to provide a gambling app to Denmark, for example, then they'll need a license from the Danish Gambling Authority.

In the past, developers often "sideloaded" their apps to get around Google Play's restrictive rules. That said, Google Play may be relaxing their country restrictions in an effort to discourage sideloading.

What Will These Changes Mean for the Online Gambling Market?

The Apple App Store has been much more accommodating to real-money gambling apps in many countries. Therefore, they've become a leader in this sector.

However, more Android users worldwide can join in the gaming action too. The result will likely be a steady increase in the mobile gambling market.

Previously, Android users had to visit gambling websites directly to download apps. Now, they'll be able to get the apps directly from Google Play.