Google is broadening its approach to real-money gaming on the Google Play app store by accommodating “online casinos and casino games not covered by an existing licensing framework”.
Karan Gambhir, Director of Global Trust and Safety Partnerships at Google, communicated with developers on the Android Developers Blog that the expansion will occur in India, Mexico, and Brazil later this year.
Gambhir mentioned that the policy adjustments are aimed at aligning Play with “developer innovation, while promoting user safety”, building upon the inclusion of online casinos and casino games apps in 15 markets with pre-existing licensing frameworks in 2021.
Pilot initiatives in India and Mexico have also been executed to explore how Google can assist more online casinos and casino games operators, starting with Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports offerings.
Under the updated policy, slated to roll out in June, online casinos and casino games developers will have the opportunity to introduce their products to users in India, Mexico, and Brazil via Play, with more countries to be incorporated in the future.
Moreover, Google indicated that developers currently engaged in online casinos and casino games pilot projects in India and Mexico will be permitted to continue offering their apps on Play post the completion of these projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations and the revised policy.
In India, the grace period for the Rummy and DFS pilot project has been extended until June 30, coinciding with the introduction of the new policy.
For Mexico, the pilot program for DFS will conclude on June 30 as previously scheduled before the implementation of the new policy.
The inclusion of Brazil coincides with the country’s preparations to launch its fully regulated online gambling market later this year following the passage of legislation in late December 2023.
Google emphasized that Play’s existing developer policies aimed at supporting user safety, such as age restrictions and geolocation regulations, will remain unchanged and reinforced, alongside other endeavors to ensure user safety and transparency, such as expanded developer verification mechanisms.
The fee model for RMG services will also be revised to “reflect the value Google Play provides and to help sustain the Android and Play ecosystems”.
According to Gambhir, there is close collaboration between developers and Google to ensure that the new approach “takes into account the unique economics and various developer earning models”.
Google intends to provide further details on policy and future expansion plans in the forthcoming months.
Gambhir concluded: “For developers already engaged in the online casinos and casino games space, or those seeking to expand their presence, we trust that this will assist you in preparing for the forthcoming policy adjustment.
“As Google Play evolves its support of online casinos and casino games worldwide, we anticipate aiding you in continuing to satisfy users, expand your enterprises, and introduce new game types in a secure manner.”
