Apple updates App Store rules for betting apps in Brazil

Following changes to betting regulations in Brazil, Apple now requires a Brazilian betting license for fixed odds betting apps on the App Store. Here are the details.

New licensing requirement for betting apps in Brazil

As Apple announced on its developer blog, developers who want to distribute fixed odds betting apps in Brazil will now need to provide a valid license from the country’s Secretariat of Prices and Betting (SPA).

According to the SPA website, the agency is responsible for regulating and supervising the betting sector in Brazil:

The Prize and Betting Secretariat (SPA) is the body of the Ministry of Finance responsible for fixed odds betting, commercial promotions, philanthropic draws, lotteries and the advance collection of popular savings. Its role is to authorize, grant, regulate, establish rules, monitor, supervise, inspect and sanction companies in the sector, in accordance with current legislation.

As Apple explained in its blog post, apps including these features, “indicated by selecting ‘Yes’ to the game question in the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect,” will need to provide this license. Additionally, these apps will automatically receive an A18 age rating in Brazil.

Apple also says that developers will need to submit a new version of the app to begin the verification process, as “updating the App Rating Information section in App Store Connect will not be sufficient to initiate a review.” »:

When you submit a new version of your app for review:

Include your licensing information in the App Rating Information section in App Store Connect.

Enter your license details in the Notes field.

Attach all supporting documents using the attachment field.

Finally, Apple tells developers that beyond age restrictions, their apps must comply with all local disclosure and warning requirements, including warnings about gambling risks, and recommends contacting legal counsel with any questions.

To learn more about these changes, follow this link.