Betting Apps in India still Not Available on Google Play

It seems that Google could not resist the temptation of reintroducing gambling apps that feature real money betting. With its most recent update, it seems that a whole host of countries have now been given the green light to promote betting apps into the play store.
Before this update came into place, only four countries were allowed to have gambling apps which included UK, Ireland, France and Brazil.

The new update increases that number by an additional fifteen countries which now include United States, Japan, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Romania, Finland, Denmark, and Colombia. There two reasons given by the Google executives with regards to a change in its policy. First, the update allows developers from all over the world to create sustainable businesses and apps. Second, by legitimising online gambling, Google is keeping its customers safe and secure.

Bad News for Punters in India

However, there is one glaring omission in the list of countries. As you have probably guessed by now, betting apps in India are still not available on the play store. Not permitting betting apps in India to appear on the play store is truly shocking as the country has a sizeable online gambling market.

The main reason for the exclusion seems to be the greyness related to gambling in India in general. Multiple states in the country have banned gambling which includes online gambling and placing bets via apps. Renowned payment provider, Paytm and the Paytm Games app was recently blocked in the country as it was suspected of allowing punters to place real money bets on the games.

So, while it seems that betting apps in India will not be surfacing on Google Play anytime soon, the increase in online casinos and bookmakers entering the market is a testament to the potential the market holds for online gambling.

Experts believe it is only a matter of time before the country heads towards legalisation of gambling. According to an independent study, India could have generated 10.2 billion rupees in national revenue in 2020 if the underground online gambling was subject to a 15% tax.
The government can no longer deny the revenues that can be collected by legalising gambling. Furthermore, legalisation will also help to make it more safe and secure. Players will no longer be reluctant to provide sensitive documents and transactions will take place more freely.