The Apple App Store is the second largest app store on the market behind the Google Play store, with approximately 2 million active apps to choose from.
This extensive collection ensures Apple store users have a great choice of apps that cover everything from financial management, social media, and communication to entertainment and gaming. Developers are often competing in highly competitive markets and must move quickly to offer users the latest technologies and trends. However, developers must also adhere to strict regulations to ensure users are not exposed to illegal activities or security risks.
One sector that has enjoyed immense popularity – thanks to mobile technology development and improved connectivity – is the gambling industry.
Sports betting and mobile casino apps have proven to be extremely popular due to the convenience and quality they can offer customers. Because the betting industry is so heavily regulated, the Apple App Store demands operators adhere to a set of strict guidelines before a gambling app would be allowed in the store.
It is the operator’s duty to ensure they have the required permissions and licensing for the areas where the app will be available. Complicated betting laws in the U.S. mean that online betting laws change between states, this requires geo-restrictions for apps to be available in the App Store. Developers are also prohibited from offering credit in the form of in-app purchases.
Some states allow some forms of online betting like the online casinos in Texas, but are still to legalize sports betting. This means that developers have to follow location-based laws when creating their apps. Other App Store rules include developers sponsoring contests and sweepstakes, and clear rules for these being presented. Developers must also make it clear that the Apple Store is not affiliated with the services provided.
The App Store provides developers with guidelines to make it easier to adhere to regulatory frameworks. In 2019, Apple announced that they would only permit betting apps that are native to iOS in the App Store. This meant developers had to make changes to existing apps or ensure new apps were developed for Apple’s operating system.
The global 5G rollout is making it easier for apps to offer customers a more immersive online gambling experience. The regulatory framework set out by the Apple App Store also helps developers know exactly what is required for their app to be accepted on one of the world’s biggest app platforms.
Providing a safe and secure experience and working within regional laws is a priority for developers when creating apps for Apple devices. Not only will this allow the apps to feature in the App Store, but it will also appeal to consumers that want to know their personal information is safe and that they are not breaking any laws.
