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.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

"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
Fallout 4 next-gen update releases today. Here's what it includes
Dog and player character in Fallout 4

Get the Fitbit Versa 4 for 25% off at Amazon
A person tapping their Fitbit Versa 4 to pay

Rabbit R1: I spent 17 hours with it — and something's iffy about it
Rabbit R1 device in a woman's hand

Amazon deal of the day: Get a maxed out Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro for under $950
Roborock robot vacuum, Soundcore earbuds, Google Nest Cam, and Samsung Galaxy Book with colorful psychedelic background

Save $130 on a refurbished Amazon Echo Show 15 smart display at Woot!
Amazon Echo Show 15 on red and blue abstract background

More in Life
Shop Google Chromecast at its lowest price this year
google chromecast device sitting on stack of books

How to transfer iPhone to iPhone
A brand new Apple iPhone 15 pro titanium is displayed with box and packaging.

Threads hits 150 million active users, adds option to archive posts
Threads app

What is TikTok Lite and why is the EU concerned about it?
The TikTok Lite logo

How to delete your Reddit account
A Reddit logo on a phone.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 25
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 25
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 25
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 24
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

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!