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 9to5oogle:
"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?
Only Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be able to download online casino apps at Google Play. Michigan could be added to the list, though, as their casino gaming market matures.
Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Montana (government operators only), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon (government operators only), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. (government operators only) will have access to sports betting apps.
Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia can get state-run lottery apps.
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.
