As smartphone penetration continues to rise globally, millions of users are switching to mobile betting destinations. According to reports, over 70% of industry traffic comes from the smallest screens. This trend is unlikely to decrease in the upcoming years, forcing iGaming companies to adapt their platforms and release dedicated downloadable applications. However, punters sometimes face difficulties when searching for a suitable betting software. Most mobile users visit the official Google Play Store or App Store to get what they need and are disappointed if they don’t find the app. Many believe that if a sportsbook isn’t available on these sources, it’s not trustworthy, which is actually now true. Let’s explore the peculiarities and learn how to download bookmaker apps safely.
Policies and Restrictions of Google Play and App Store
While many punters are disappointed with the limited choice of betting apps on these platforms, the reason is pretty simple. Industry stakeholders and their partners aim to decrease the harmful impact of gambling-related entertainment options on users. These restrictions primarily concern underage individuals, who mustn’t access applications that involve potential financial risks.
App Store
Apple is more flexible regarding gambling and betting services, so iPhone owners can still find related applications on the platform. However, operators who want to add their products to the App Store should comply with strict requirements. First of all, the bookmaker must be licensed and regulated in all countries where it provides its services. If the industry is fully restricted in a specific region, the resource cannot offer access to risky content. In addition, all applications must be native and exclude the usage of HTML5 or other simple website templates. Following these rules, a lot of online bookmakers offer iOS software that can be downloaded with one click. Of course, age confirmations and customer verifications are still present when a user registers for the mobile app.
Google Play Store
Google has a ban on all gambling software that requires financial transactions. International online bookmakers and casinos are not permitted to distribute their content across multiple platforms and target players in different regions. This restriction makes it impossible for punters to get the app they need from the Google Play Store. As gambling laws become more flexible globally, the company isn’t discussing creating new requirements. Some casino-like apps are still allowed, but they shouldn’t include deposits and real-money wins; otherwise, they are banned immediately.
Licensing Issues and Regional Accessibility
Online betting laws vary across different countries, which is challenging for both operators and app stores for iOS and Android. Many states have advanced regulations and set specific supervising bodies that create local policies. As a rule, these laws cover these points:
Who can offer betting activities in the state
- What forms of gambling are allowed
- Which verification measures are used
- How apps are distributed and promoted
- How winnings are credited and taxed
- Which payment methods are permitted
- What responsible tools must be integrated
These rules imply that online betting companies cannot use a unified framework to operate globally. Those providing services in different regions must localize the software to ensure smooth operations and compliance with legal requirements. Since these actions require additional financing and development tools, operators often avoid the unnecessary hassle and offer access to web-based apps or APK files that can be installed on smartphones or tablets.
How to Install a Bookmaker App Outside App Store and Google Play
Don’t be anxious if betting applications are unavailable on these stores in your region, as it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to participate in mobile betting activities. Android users can take advantage of a simple scheme. To complete the 1xBet app download Bangladesh, they need to enter the official bookmaker platform and search for the mobile version. After finding the necessary APK, they should click the installation button and set up the software on their device. The system is simple, so only a few clicks are required to take advantage of the multifunctional software.
From their side, iOS bettors can take advantage of PWA apps. As the company doesn’t allow downloading software from any third-party sources except for the official store, users can only use Progressive Web Apps. Sometimes, bookmaker applications for iPhones have limited accessibility. In this case, punters can change their country of residence in smartphone settings and access the downloadable software in the App Store.
Is It Safe?
Of course, many are concerned about online data protection and are afraid of downloading any software on their devices. However, licensed bookmakers always provide customers with a high level of transparency and security. When installing betting apps, risk-seekers must ensure that they only visit the official platform. Unfortunately, many scammers create sites that mirror leading service providers and offer malware instead of trustworthy services. Hence, bettors should be attentive and double-check the sportsbook before beginning the download process.