On the 28th of January, 2021, Google announced a new policy that allows gambling apps on Google Play Store in 15 more countries. The policy took effect on March 1, 2021. Right now, gambling apps are only allowed on Play Store in Brazil, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
From the 1st of March, Play Store in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US began to allow gambling apps.
According to Google, for the new rules to apply, the app developer has to complete an application process for gambling apps being distributed on Google Play. The developer must be an approved government operator and/or is registered as a licensed operator by the appropriate government agency in that country.
“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,” Google said in the statement announcing the new policy.
What Does This Mean For Gambling in India
The updated list of countries released by Google does not include India. This is significant because India’s large population translates to a large gambling market. The reason for India not being on the list is suspected to be because of the complicated situation with gambling in India. In India, different states have different laws concerning sports betting and other forms of betting. In multiple states, there are laws that ban gambling apps.
Recently, Paytm and Paytm First Games were temporarily blocked on Play Store for allegedly allowing users to bet on sports and play daily fantasy sports. This does not mean that online gambling is impossible in India. Gambling sites and offshore casinos are allowed to operate in the country. They are required by the government to add the rupee as one of the supported currencies.
According to a report from Maple Capital Advisors in February 2020, the gaming industry in India was valued at $930 million and was expected to grow by 41% annually. According to the India Post, with a tax rate of 30%, India could have made as much as $279 million in revenues in 2020 by legalizing and regulating online betting.
This figure is expected to rise to as much as $1.1 billion in 2024. As a result of these, many important personalities in India, including some members of parliament, have begun to push for the legalization of online gambling in the country.
Apart from the revenue, another argument in favor of regulating online gambling is the improved safety and security for Indian bettors. Google India has updated its policy that guides the use of features like a spin-the-wheel experience, a guessing game, or a 1:1 points redemption to encourage loyalty.
According to Business Insider, “The update aims to provide more clarity on policy requirements for loyalty program disclosures and features, and is designed to safeguard users and optimize the developer experience.”
With a large amount of lost revenue in India, it is expected that the situation with online gambling in India would improve in the near future. This should hopefully translate into gambling apps being available on Google Play in India very soon.
