Google Play Store will soon let Android users download gambling apps

Gamblers rejoice.
By Tim Marcin  on 
Google Play Store will soon let Android users download gambling apps
Close-up on a man betting online at home on his cell phone using his credit card Credit: Getty Images

Non-iPhone gamblers rejoice: The Google Play Store will soon allow gambling apps.

There are, of course, a few catches. The apps will only be allowed in countries and states where the specific type of gambling in the app is permitted by law.

But the fact remains, starting March 1 Android users in the U.S. and 14 other countries — Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, and Sweden — will join Brazil, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom as places where Google-sanctioned in-app gambling is allowed.

"We allow real-money gambling apps, ads related to real-money gambling and daily fantasy sports apps that meet certain requirements," Google's support page now reads.

Gambling apps will have to file for approval under one of four categories: online casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. They'll have to also have measures in place to prevent underage users from gambling.

Also, folks in the U.S. should be forewarned. State laws still apply. So the question of whether or not you'll actually be able to take advantage of this policy change is a complicated one to answer. The gambling apps and types games that will be available in a person's area depends on the the state's regulations.

Mashable Image
Tim Marcin

Tim Marcin is a culture reporter at Mashable, where he writes about food, fitness, weird stuff on the internet, and, well, just about anything else. You can find him posting endlessly about Buffalo wings on Twitter at @timmarcin.


Recommended For You
How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch NC State vs. Marquette basketball without cable
DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack drives to the basket as Blake Lampman #11 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies defends during the first half of a game in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Tennessee vs. Creighton basketball without cable
Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays goes to the basket in the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

More in Life
How to watch Houston vs. Duke basketball without cable
Jared McCain #0 of the Duke Blue Devils is defended by Xavier Brown #0 of the James Madison Dukes during the first half of the game during the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 24, 2024, in New York City.

How much is Spotify Premium in the US?
A phone with the Spotify logo on screen. A pair of white wired earbuds lie next to it.

How to watch Arizona vs. Clemson basketball without cable
Caleb Love #2, Keshad Johnson #16, Oumar Ballo #11, and Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats look on as Pelle Larsson #3 shoots free throws against the Dayton Flyers during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Delta Center on March 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to watch Alabama vs. North Carolina basketball without cable
Cormac Ryan #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts to a play during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 23, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Illinois vs. Iowa State basketball without cable
Tamin Lipsey #3 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts during the first half against the Washington State Cougars in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at CHI Health Center on March 23, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 29
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 29
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'The Crow' soundtrack turns 30: Looking back on the album that defined an era
Composite of images of Brandon Lee, Rob Zombie, Trent Reznor, and Robert Smith of The Cure.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!