Google has lifted the ban on gambling apps in 15 different countries, including in the United States! Android users in Pennsylvania will be able to download a casino or sportsbook app directly from the Google Play Store starting on March 1st, 2021.
Googles support page writes: “We’re updating our Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy so more developers around the world can build sustainable businesses, and in a way that helps keep consumers safe.”
Mobile gambling is extremely popular in Pennsylvania, so this comes as great news to many mobile players. Over the last year, most online casinos are making the majority of their profit from mobile users.
Besides the United States, 14 other countries will be able to offer gambling apps on the Google Play Store, including:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Colombia
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Japan
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Romania
- Spain
- Sweden
Casino Apps Will Need to Meet New Requirements
In order for a gambling app to be offered at the Google Play store, it will need to meet a long list of requirements put in place by Google.
- Operators can not charge users to download and install the app from the Google Play store, and can not use in-app billing.
- The app can not be made available to those under the legal gambling age. Operators will need to use age verification tools to ensure this.
- Operators must have a valid gambling license in the country they are offering the app.
- The app must come with the discretion of AO (Adult Only) or IARC equivalent.
- Operators need to ensure the app complies with all of the industry standards and regulations in their country.
- The application process needs to be successfully completed.
- Information on Responsible Gambling must be displayed clearly on the app.
These requirements slightly differ depending on the type of gambling app operators plan to offer (sportsbook, Daily Fantasy Sports, casino).
Android and iOS Users Have Both Faced Issues in the Past
Before Google Play made their announcement, players using an Android device could only download a mobile casino app directly through the casino site links.
iOS users also faced their fair share of problems with gaining access to casino app downloads when online casinos first began launching in the state. Many users had to download Geolocation software before even being able to open the online casino via the mobile browser.
There are currently 13 online casinos in Pennsylvania and each of them can be accessed on mobile via app or browser. Some casinos are still only available on mobile and not desktop yet.
Find a list of every casino mobile app available in PA, below:
- Unibet PA
- SugarHouse
- BetRivers
- Hollywood Casino
- PokerStars Casino
- Parx Casino
- BetMGM
- BetAmerica
- DraftKings
- PlayLive! Casino
- Wind Creek
- Caesars Casino
- FanDuel