Country-Specific Regulations for Gambling Apps

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Becoming the most trusted global source for apps and games requires cooperation between developers and Play Store + App Store platforms. Your innovative ideas drive this success, but with that comes responsibility. The Developer Program Policies, alongside the Developer Distribution Agreement, ensure that over a billion people worldwide can access the most trustworthy and innovative apps on Google Play. Below, we cover key policy guidelines, especially focusing on financial services and betting apps, with country-specific rules to provide relevant context.

General Financial Rules

Google Play prohibits apps offering fraudulent or harmful financial products and services. Financial products and services cover any offerings related to money management and cryptocurrency, including personal financial advisory services.

If your app features or promotes financial products, you must comply with local and national laws in every region the app is available. Depending on local legislation, certain financial disclosures may be mandatory, and developers offering financial functions must complete a Financial Services Declaration in the Play Console.

Binary Options

Apps offering binary options are strictly prohibited on Google Play. These financial products are seen as too high-risk, with limited regulation and significant potential for harm.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is defined as a one-time loan granted to an individual or entity. Such loans must not be used for purchasing financial assets or educational purposes. Users need clear information on loan terms, fees, repayment schedules, risks, and benefits to make informed decisions.

For apps offering personal loans, the following information must be disclosed in the app metadata:

  1. Minimum and maximum loan repayment periods.

  2. Maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR), including all fees.

  3. A representative example of the total loan cost.

  4. A privacy policy that fully explains the use and sharing of sensitive data.

Google Play does not allow apps promoting personal loans with full repayment due in 60 days or less. These are considered short-term loans and are disallowed unless local laws provide clear exceptions.

Country-Specific Rules:

  • United States: Personal loan apps with an APR of 36% or higher are prohibited. The maximum APR must be disclosed, calculated in accordance with the Truth in Lending Act (TILA).

  • India: Apps offering personal loans must comply with the licensing requirements of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). If a platform is merely facilitating loans between users and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), this must be explicitly stated, and all NBFCs or banks must be clearly listed in the app.

  • Indonesia: Developers must provide a copy of a valid license, following OJK Regulation No. 77/POJK.01/2016, for IT-based lending services.

  • Philippines: All apps offering loans must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and must include the company’s SEC registration number and certificate of authority in the app description.

  • Nigeria: Digital Money Lenders (DMLs) must comply with the LIMITED INTERIM REGULATORY/REGISTRATION FRAMEWORK AND GUIDELINES FOR DIGITAL LENDING, 2022, from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Documentation proving FCCPC approval must be provided. Aggregators must also provide certification for digital lending services and list contact details for every DML partner.

  • Kenya: Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) must be licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and a copy of this license must be submitted. If the app is a platform connecting users with DCPs, the DCP licenses from partners must be included.

  • Pakistan: Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) can only offer one digital lending app. Developers must provide verification of their SECP license to operate in Pakistan.

  • Thailand: Personal loan apps offering interest rates of 15% or higher must provide a valid license from the Bank of Thailand or the Ministry of Finance. Licensing documents must be submitted to verify compliance.

 

Betting and Gambling Rules

Apps offering gambling services for real money, such as online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports, may be allowed on Google Play, provided they comply with strict guidelines and legal requirements. The developer must complete the application process for gambling apps on Google Play and have a valid gambling license in every country or region where the app is available.

Permissible Gambling Products:

  • Online casino games

  • Sports betting

  • Horse racing (if regulated separately from sports betting)

  • Lotteries

  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Requirements for Gambling Apps:

  1. Developers must complete the gambling app submission process on Google Play.

  2. The app must comply with all applicable laws in each country where it is offered.

  3. Developers must hold valid gambling licenses for every jurisdiction where the app is available.

  4. The app must implement mechanisms to prevent underage users from accessing it.

  5. In regions where the developer does not hold a gambling license, access to the app must be restricted.

  6. The app cannot be listed as a paid app on Google Play, nor can it use Google Play’s in-app billing system.

  7. The app must be available for free download and clearly marked as AO (Adults Only) or an equivalent IARC rating.

  8. The app must include clear information on responsible gambling practices.

Country-Specific Rules:

  • Nigeria: Betting apps in Nigeria must be licensed by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission or other appropriate gambling authorities. Nigerian betting apps are also required to adhere to strict responsible gambling guidelines, including prominently displaying resources for users needing gambling addiction support. For instance, a Naija betting app should feature local gambling terms and a clear explanation of how Surebet247, a popular local betting platform, complies with regulations.

  • India: Gambling apps must meet specific legal criteria based on the state, as gambling is regulated differently across Indian states. Some states allow real-money betting apps, while others prohibit them.

  • United States: Gambling apps are allowed in certain states where real-money gambling is legal and must comply with state-specific regulations.

Other Games and Competitions Involving Real Money

Google Play generally prohibits games or apps that allow users to wager real money for prizes unless they meet gambling app requirements. This includes:

  • Online casinos

  • Sports betting apps

  • Lotteries

  • Games where players stake money to win cash or prizes

Pilot Projects for Games, Competitions, and Tournaments

In certain regions, Google Play may test pilot programs allowing specific types of games involving real-money wagers. These pilot programs are temporary and region-specific, requiring compliance with all local laws.

Gamified Loyalty Programs

If permitted by law and not restricted by additional gambling licenses, loyalty points programs are allowed where users can earn rewards such as prizes or cash equivalents. However, these programs must meet the following requirements:

  1. Monetary transactions that qualify for rewards must be distinct and separate from the loyalty program itself.

  2. Rewards should not be linked to in-game achievements or random chance mechanisms.

  3. Loyalty points must be based on a fixed ratio, clearly disclosed within the app and in official program rules.

These guidelines ensure that financial and gambling apps comply with local laws and provide a safe and responsible experience for users across regions like Nigeria, the United States, India, and beyond.