The process for setting up a sports betting mobile app is about to get a lot easier.
As of March 1, the Google Play Store will now allow the listing of sportsbook apps. Previously, users would have to go to the sportsbook website and download a file, typically a .apk file, and then follow the instructions to get the app to run properly.
A much more streamlined process is coming at the start of March, as sportsbook operators will be able to list their real-money gambling apps right in the Google Play Store. An intensive screening process will be done, but it stands to reason that all of the major sportsbook apps, like DraftKings, BetRivers, BetMGM, PointsBet, William Hill, and others will pass the process with flying colors and be listed for easy download.
Google Enforcing Requirements to Have Betting Apps Listed
Google does have a set of stipulations and requirements that must be met during the aforementioned screening process before the apps can be listed. Those include, but are not limited to, age verification, a no-cost download, and information about responsible gaming clearly displayed in the app description or somewhere else.
The responsible gaming provisions seem to be a major focal point for Google when allowing these apps to be placed in the Google Play Store.
Up until this point, those with Android devices had to go through multiple steps in order to get the apps running on their mobile devices. With the process now much simpler and much more convenient, we should see a run on sign-ups for sportsbooks with Android users. That will be music to the ears of the operators and will also help those that are not technologically savvy get all set up. It really is a big win for all involved.
Mobile Betting is King
Mobile wagering represents a significant amount of the sports betting in every state that accepts those kinds of bets. Well over 80% of the betting handle across those states comes from mobile devices. Bettors just don’t go to retail sportsbooks unless they absolutely have to and now it will be easier than ever to use a mobile device.
iOS users haven’t had to worry about this problem and Android users no longer will either. The previous process of downloading and installing an app was a turn-off for those that wanted to bet and it was often a little more difficult to find the software on the website.
Now, users can just search for exactly what they want in the Google Play Store. As we know, the Play Store will also suggest similar apps, which will make it much easier for Android users to download multiple sportsbook apps to be able to line shop or to simply have options. We’ll see a major increase in users and downloads, but it will be interesting to see which apps become the most popular to use.
March 1, 2021
March 1, 2021 is the day that you will start seeing the sports betting apps pop up in the Google Play Store. You can obviously still download the necessarily files from the sportsbook websites, but a more convenient process is on the horizon and we should see all of the major sportsbooks listed right away after passing Google’s list of requirements.
