Google has reversed a ban in Brazil that prohibited betting apps from being available on the Play Store.
As reported by SBC Noticias, Google notified advertisers earlier this week that it has modified its policy on gambling, allowing betting, casino and fantasy sports apps on Google Play.
Under the new rules, operators must hold an SPA licence to use the Google Ads platform and provide detailed information in order to gain certification from Google.
Prior to the change, Google only allowed apps to bet on horse races and lotteries from Caixa Econômica.
Campaigners argued that Google’s previous policy emboldened the black market by preventing access to licensed apps, and the government believes that the change will be able to reduce the impact of betting on illegal websites.
The new policy covers four categories: Lotteries, Horse Racing, Betting Tips, and Daily Fantasy Games. Operators must also maintain a visible link on their official websites that directs users to the app’s page on the Play Store.
Unlike Google, Apple maintains a ban on betting apps across its own App Store.
Brazilian tax hikes
Elsewhere in Brazil, the country’s Ministry of Finance published a new Provisional Measure to increase the tax rate on online betting gross gaming revenue (GGR) by half, from 12% to 18%.
The measure came into effect on 11 June and is valid for 60 days, but it can be extended for another 60 days. The measure will now be considered by the National Congress and, if approved, it will be enacted into law.
Understandably, stakeholders within the industry have been left reeling by the news of the tax hike.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) expressed “strong indignation” through a statement published on its social media and threatened legal action to fight the change.]
“The measure is unacceptable and makes the operation of many companies — which trusted and invested in the regulated market — unfeasible, creates legal uncertainty, and threatens public revenue,” the IBJR said in its statement.
