Google Lifts Brazil Play Store Ban on Betting Apps

Google has officially lifted its Play Store restriction on betting apps in Brazil, a major development for the country’s newly regulated gambling market.

As first reported by SBC Noticias, the tech giant recently informed advertisers that it had updated its gambling policy. The revised guidelines now allow sports betting, casino and fantasy sports apps to be listed in the Brazilian version of the Play Store.

To comply with the new rules, operators must possess an SPA license and provide detailed documentation to Google to receive certification for advertising on the Google Ads platform.

Before the policy update, Google permitted only apps related to horse race betting and lotteries operated by Caixa Econômica.

Advocates claimed that Google's earlier policy strengthened the black market by blocking licensed apps and the government expects the new rules to help curb illegal betting activity.

More than 200 operators have already been authorized to manage up to three domains each and this move is expected to speed up Brazil’s transition to a more organized and transparent digital betting market.

The updated policy includes four categories: Lotteries, Horse Racing, Betting Tips and Daily Fantasy Games. Additionally, operators are required to display a clear link on their official websites that leads users to their app’s page on the Play Store.

Unlike Google, Apple still enforces a ban on betting apps in its App Store.

Key Points:

• Google now allows casino and betting apps on Brazil’s Play Store if licensed by the SPA

• Licensed apps must include a link from the official site and follow Google’s ad policies

• This change also allows regulated operators to promote their services through Google Ads in Brazil.

• Apple continues to ban betting apps on its App Store.