Google Play to Welcome Gambling Apps in 15 More Countries

For those who like to access online slots and bingo sites on their mobile phones, today brings good news around the world.

Google has announced in an updated Developer Programme policy that more countries will be allowed to host gambling apps on their platform than ever before.

Up to now, you could count the eligible markets on just one hand. They were the UK, France, Ireland and to a lesser extent Brazil, where you could download state sanctioned horse racing and lottery apps.

Which Countries now have Gambling Apps?

However, the world really is now an iGamer’s oyster. From 1st March, the following countries will allow Gambling apps to be made available on the Google Play store:

• United States
• Germany
• Japan
• Mexico
• Spain
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Colombia
• Finland
• Norway
• Romania
• Sweden

Each app developer will have to complete and submit a thorough application before going live. They will also have to comply with a nation’s gambling laws and regulations as well as making sure that the apps are for adult consumption only. This means that there will be different rules for different countries.

Norway for example, has a monopoly system where only Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto can provide gambling services. Likewise in Germany, only state supplied sports betting and lottery apps will be allowed to start with. Once online slots and casino licensing comes in to force (expected in July), then this will likely change.

In the US Google Play store, developers will adhere to state regulations and apps will only be available where it is lawful. In Nevada, poker-only apps will be made available. With regards to online mobile casino, this is currently legal and regulated in three states; New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

As is the case with the current approved countries, the apps must be free to download and the Google Play store’s in-billing functionality will be disabled so as to promote responsible gambling.

In the United Kingdom, gambling apps are already available provided they are licensed providers. Below, we’ve listed some of our favourite bingo sites which offer a bespoke app experience.