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Google Add Free Slot NZ & Real Money Casino Apps

Bianca Munz | 09 February 2021

Google Add Free Slot NZ & Real Money Casino Apps
Google surprised the gambling world when it announced that real money gambling and free slot NZ casino apps will be offered on Google Play Store from 1 March. Far from being a universal offering, the apps will be limited to 15 countries, of which New Zealand is one.

According to reports, each country’s regulator or relevant government department will decide what types of gambling may be offered through the apps available in their territory. With this is mind, Google created four different categories, namely online casinos, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and lotteries.

Prior to the as-yet unexplained about-turn in the company’s stance, real-money gambling apps were available in Brazil, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom only. Among the other countries that will join them as well as New Zealand are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.

What This Means For Android Users

Google Play Store’s ban on apps that offer real money gambling and free slots NZ meant that players with Android devices needed to sideload their preferred apps in APK format from casino or other websites. The change will give players in New Zealand and elsewhere easier and safer access to gambling apps.

Mobile Casino Convenience

Apps streamline the process of logging into casino and sportsbook accounts, of finding games, and of accessing promotions, banking, and support services. Players can more conveniently fit gaming into their lives.

Google Play Store Requirements

The process of seeing real money casino apps offered on Google Play Store will not be a free-for-all, as the company will implement stringent controls. Developers must be licensed in the regions to which they want to offer their apps, and they must ensure that their apps meet the company’s Developer Policy Centre requirements, such as not using the company’s in-app billing system and being free to download.

In addition, apps must have a content rating by International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), and developers must submit a gambling application form, block underage access as well as access from regions in which they’re not licensed. Google Play Store is also taking steps to ensure underage users cannot access real-money or free slots NZ.

What’s Coming To New Zealand

From the beginning of March, players will have access to government-operated lottery and sports betting apps. Those apps include Lotto New Zealand and TAB (Totalisator Agency Board). The Lotto NZ app offers the games that are familiar to many players in the country, including Lotto, Powerball, Bullseye, Keno, Strike, and Instant Kiwi.

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