Google Play’s stance on real-money gaming leaves users vulnerable

Last month, Google’s Play Store policies changed to permit gambling and betting Android apps that use real money in 15 more countries than before, including the U.S. Previously, gambling apps were only allowed in the Google Play Store in four countries: Brazil, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Each country or state has its own limitations on what kind of online gambling is legal, with some permitting online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports. Regardless, the change drastically opens up the market for mobile gambling — on Android, anyway. The Apple App Store has allowed gambling apps for quite some time and runs a monopoly on user access.

It’s important to note that the Google Play Store policy changes don’t permit real-money gaming apps. Third-party apps that would permit a team in CS:GO, for example, or any other video game to compete in a skills-based competitive tournament aren’t yet allowed, and this is a tremendous oversight on Google’s part.