Google recently announced a change in its policy regarding real money gambling and betting apps, also known as Real-Money Gambling (RMG), available in its official Play Store.
This change implies an extension of types of games and a greater number of operators admitted, including those who cannot count on a clear and defined regulatory framework.
Furthermore, this new approach, described as a search for new business opportunities for developers around the world, gives priority to both to commercial expansion and user safety.
As part of this initiative, Google will update its RMG application service pricing model and is already working with developers to ensure that their approach reflects a shared approach and the different approaches of developers in this sector.
The company began allowing RMG apps on Android devices in March 2021, initially in countries such as Spain, Colombia, Denmark, the United States, and Finland.
Specifically, among the most popular applications on the digital store, we find i online casino, sports betting, Sweepstakes.
Prior to this integration, users interested in gambling services had to resort to downloading apps in APK format directly from betting sites, which in some cases posed security risks, including possible malicious attacks, according to 9to5Google.
To be integrated into Google Play, RMG requests must meet several requirements: obtain approval from a government agency under the country's gambling legislation, complete an online application, and display responsible gaming information.
Furthermore, they must be rated for adults only and have a valid gaming license for each country or state in which the services are distributed.
Eligible apps must clearly display responsible gaming information, be rated adults only, and have a valid gaming license in each country.
Google's new approach to real money gaming available through Google Play has been long in gestation, with pilot programs to determine how to support multiple operators and different types of RMG games.
For example, the company mentions tests conducted in India with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummys, card games that are very popular in that country. Expanded support for these RMG applications will begin in June in India, Mexico and Brazil, with plans to expand to other countries in the future.
These RMG programs, in the testing phase, had to be necessarily free and could not be associated with Google Play billing, so in short, the Mountain View company didn't make any profit from it.
Now Google has announced a new approach to real money gaming available through Google Play, after running a series of pilot programs.
As part of this initiative, Google will update its RMG application service pricing model and is already working hard on developers to ensure their approach reflects the unique economics and diverse developer models of this industry.
With this expansion, it not only seeks to grow developer businesses, but also launch new types of games safely, reaffirming its commitment to the growth of the digital gambling market and user protection.
More details on the updated service fee model are expected “in the next month” and the service is expected to launch on June 30th.
