Google is changing its policies to expand the type and quantity of games with money real available in your Play Store. He will do it little by little: first he will implement the change in Mexico, Brazil and India. According to the technology company, this will provide new business opportunities for developers around the world, without harming the security of users.
Google, driven by public demand, began allowing real-money games in its store in 2021. However, until now it only supported those that were regulated by national governments. Starting this year, it will include games and operators “that are not covered by an existing licensing framework”the company explained in its Blog.
Starting next June 30, Google will launch an expanded support program for its Play Store for developers in India, Mexico and Brazil. It has already implemented several real money gaming pilot programs in two of these three countries. The test in Mexico started in 2022 with a limited list of developers Daily Fantasy Sports. Meanwhile in India also included card games Rummy.
Google said it will enable more real money games in other countries “in the future.” This will open up the Play Store to apps that aren’t popular enough or aren’t played enough for governments to create specific laws to regulate them. “We strive to help developers responsibly create new businesses and reach broader audiences,” the company said.
Google changes Play Store rules to support more real money games
Google also clarified that real money games in its Play Store cannot violate local laws. And that its policy will continue to require basic security measures. Among them, the geographical restriction and the age limit to prevent minors from accessing these experiences.
Public health experts have been warning, precisely, about the danger that these types of proposals represent in the younger population. Above all, because of its addictive nature. The Internet gambling, for example, is the main cause of gambling addiction in those under 26 years of age.according to A study from the Foundation to Help Drug Addiction in Spain published in 2021. And the Spanish Ministry of Health esteem that 9.4% of young people between 14 and 18 years old bet online.
Google said its Play Store will continue to develop other security and transparency measures for users. For example, expanded developer verification mechanisms. He added that in the coming months he will disclose more details about his new gaming policy and expansion plans.
An analysis published in September last year by academics from Australia, United Kingdom and Africa highlights that the coronavirus pandemic boosted the consumption of real money games on the internet. There are studies that ensure that users of this type of online proposals came to triple during the quarantine.
Digital platforms replicate the dynamics of a casino, but with the aggravation of the easy access that a mobile phone provides, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, says the academics’ report published in Health Promotion International. “Governments have been unprepared and complacent in dealing with the impact of rapid technological advances in the gaming industry,” say specialists.