Google Now Accepts Brazilian Betting Apps Following Policy Change

On Wednesday, Google announced that it will now permit apps from sports betting and online gaming companies licensed in Brazil to be available on its Play Store, if they meet certain conditions set by the country’s authorities and the tech giant.

Google Updates Play Store Rules to Accept Betting Apps Registered in Brazil

As part of an update to its gambling policy, the tech giant will allow these so-called “Bets” to list their apps, provided they comply with the laws and regulations set by the Brazilian government. The revised guidelines permit four types of gambling-related content: lotteries, horse racing, fixed-odds sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.

Major operators have been pressuring the tech giant to permit app listings in its store, similar to the demands made previously to Apple regarding the App Store. The Brazilian government has also been involved, viewing app store regulation as a means to ensure that only licensed betting companies operate in the country. The goal is to curb the presence of illegal websites, which continue to control over half of the Brazilian market.

Google’s changes come at an interesting time for the Brazilian gambling scene, which has been undergoing many changes over the past months. The government and operators have often been at odds with each other over how the sector should work and look like. The Brazilian Senate often wants to implement more restrictive measures, while the industry wants more freedom. For example, recently, Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has announced a 6% tax increase on gross gaming revenue, prompting a pushback from both industry operators and regulators.

Who Would Be Eligible to Have Their App on Google Play?

To be eligible for listing and promotion on Google’s platforms, each category must be officially authorized by Brazilian regulatory authorities. In addition, Google mandates that operators include a clear and accessible link to the app’s Play Store details page on their officially registered domain. The goal is to enhance platform transparency by ensuring the legitimacy and traceability of apps. It should also be noted that to obtain certification, operators must be licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, advertisers are required to complete a certification process, submitting detailed information about their apps. Any applications that fail to meet the necessary licensing and compliance standards will be denied.