The mainstreaming of iGaming apps has taken a huge step forward with expanded Google Play store availability.
Tech giant Google is going to offer real money gambling apps for the first time.
New App for Fifteen Countries
Google has announced the approval of an iGaming Google Play store offering players in fifteen countries access to sports betting and online casino apps.
This is a huge expansion, after previously offering apps only in the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland.
The US Impact
In US states that already regulate iGaming, the apps will offer live casino and sports betting, with some states including Nevada remaining Poker-only.
Application Process
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For operators to be included in the Google Play store, the operator's developer must submit an an application for inclusion.
The New Countries
The new fifteen countries being welcomed into the new fold include Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Colombia; Denmark; Finland; Germany; Japan; Mexico; New Zealand; Norway; Romania; Spain; Sweden; and the United States.
The Download Pie
With Google Play Store having gotten 41.9 billion installs in the first half of 2019, and mobile usage subsequently increasing due to covid closures across an audience of an estimated 3.3 billion smartphone users around the world, this represents a huge pie for operators to get a piece of in the newly designated counties.
DFS to Benefit
The expansion bodes well for DFS Daily Fantasy Sports as well, with expansion of DFS apps in Google Play stores also now green-lit by the decision.
Google's Inclusion Language
Google Support has updated its terms and conditions to indicate the changes will be effective from March 1st, 2021.
Google's new permissions for store placement “allow valid licensed or authorized gambling apps” for four new “online gambling products,” designated as online casinos, lotteries, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.
Channeling Android Users
Operators should start seeing a streamlined influx of Android users once major sports books and casinos are approved to be listed in the Google Play store, with Android bettors previously required to download apps directly from sports betting and online casino websites.
Outlook
Bringing Android users concurrent with IOS users and providing operators with the massive channeling of the Google Play Store is sure to result in revolutionary growth and expansion within the industry, with more countries sure to provide Google Play access to their players in the near future as well.