Why Betting Apps Struggle to Get Listed on Google Play in Africa

Ever tried to download a betting app only to realize it’s not on Google Play? You’re not alone. A lot of people assume that if an app isn’t listed, it must be shady or illegal, but that’s not always the case.

Even top-tier platforms like the Betway app sometimes face hurdles when trying to get approved on Google Play – especially in Africa.

So, what’s the deal? If gambling is legal in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, why is it so hard for betting apps to show up in a simple Play Store search? Turns out, Google has some pretty strict rules when it comes to real-money gambling apps, and they don’t always make sense for the African market. Let’s break it down.

Google’s Love-Hate Relationship with Gambling Apps

For years, Google straight-up banned real-money gambling apps from the Play Store. No betting apps, no casino apps, no lotteries – nothing. It didn’t matter if gambling was 100% legal in a country. If an app involved real money, Google wanted nothing to do with it.

Then, in 2021, they started relaxing their policies in certain countries, allowing betting apps to be listed – but only in select regions. And here’s where it gets frustrating: while places like the UK, France, and even Brazil were given the green light, most African countries were left out.

So, even though sports betting is massive in Nigeria and South Africa (with millions of active bettors), Google Play’s policies still make it tough for apps to get listed there.

The Licensing Hoops Are a Nightmare

Google doesn’t just let any betting app onto the Play Store. Developers have to jump through a ridiculous number of hoops, including:

• Getting a local gambling license in every country they want to operate in
• Providing proof that they follow strict responsible gambling policies
• Ensuring their app blocks underage users 100% effectively
• Submitting extensive paperwork for Google’s approval process

For global betting brands, this means tailoring apps to meet different licensing requirements for each country. And in places like Nigeria and South Africa, where regulations can be complex and ever-changing, this can cause major delays.

And here’s the kicker: even if an app is perfectly legal and follows all the rules, Google still has the final say on whether it gets listed. There’s no guarantee of approval, even if everything checks out.

Google’s Selective Expansion Leaves Africa Behind

Google has been slowly expanding its list of approved gambling regions, but Africa isn’t exactly at the top of their priority list.

Take Nigeria, for example. Sports betting is legal, booming, and fully regulated. You’ve got major sportsbooks operating under licenses from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and state-level boards. But despite this, Nigeria still isn’t officially supported for gambling apps on Google Play.

South Africa is a little better off. As of 2023, Google Play allowed real-money gambling apps in the country, but only if they meet Google’s strict criteria – which means many apps still operate through direct downloads instead.

So, while betting companies would love to make their apps easy to find on Google Play, many are stuck offering APK downloads on their websites instead.

Why Betting Apps Use APK Downloads

Since listing on Google Play is such a hassle, many betting brands in Africa take the APK route instead. If you’ve ever downloaded a betting app directly from a sportsbook’s website, you’ve used an APK file – it’s basically the Android version of installing software manually.

It’s not illegal, and it’s actually a common workaround in regions where Google Play restrictions make life difficult. But let’s be real: it’s also an extra step that some users might find sketchy, especially if they’re not used to downloading apps outside the Play Store.

And that’s the problem – Google’s selective gambling policies make it harder for bettors in Africa to access legit apps in a way that feels safe and straightforward.

Where Does This Leave African Bettors?

For now, if you’re looking for a betting app in Nigeria or South Africa, your best bet is still downloading it directly from the sportsbook’s website. It’s a hassle, sure, but reputable platforms make the process as easy and secure as possible.

That said, as sports betting keeps growing in Africa, Google will have to catch up at some point. The demand is there, the industry is regulated, and other global markets have already been approved. It’s only a matter of time before Nigeria and other major betting markets in Africa get added to the list. Until then, APK downloads are here to stay.

Ever struggled to find a betting app on Google Play? Or do you prefer the direct download method?

Source: peoplesdailyng.com

About Post Author

Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.