Google Expand Real-Money Gaming App Locations

Google has announced that they are expanding their Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy, to include 15 more countries that can advertise their gambling apps on the Google Play Store. From March 1st, 2021, developers can publish licensed real-money gaming apps in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Previously, only Brazil, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom could take advantage of this policy. Google’s update is in-line with their continuous efforts to make Google Play a “positive experience” for developers around the world so they can “build sustainable businesses”.

This announcement is surely a breath of fresh air for lottery and gaming operators who wish to make their products accessible to all OS users around the world, especially as lockdowns globally have seen more and more customers move to digital service offerings for their entertainment. As markets continue to open up and regulate their online gambling, one country to highlight is the United States, that has seen a rapid increase in online sports betting in recent months. Operators will no doubt rejoice and welcome this policy change. Although this does come with limitations for each country and for some countries governmental operators only are permitted. A breakdown for limitations can be found here.

Previously, Android users outside of the initial countries were only able to download a real-money gaming app directly through an operator’s website. This meant that customers would have to update the app manually, and a barrier was created for operators to advertise them to all demographics.

At mkodo, we have several years of rich experience launching real-money apps on the Google Play Store, having first delivered Rank Group’s Mecca Bingo Native Android App in August 2017, right on cue for when real-money gaming apps were first allowed in the UK, subsequently followed by their native Live Casino Android App. Since then, we have released regular updates to keep the apps fresh and engaging for the players.

As leading experts in app UX design and development, and the Google Play Store submission process, mkodo is well equipped to offer insight and consultancy on best practices from UX/UI design to ideal customer user journeys for Android apps, in addition to creating native apps from scratch as we continue to leverage our knowledge of working with Android’s multiple new OS releases over the years.

If you are interested in more details about this topic, or wish to enquire about our Android Consultancy workshops, please do contact us at hello@mkodo.com