Apple makes in-app betting U-turn

Affiliates can once more offer an in-app betting via iOS apps after Apple withdrew its insistence that companies must hold an operating licence to offer the service, eGaming Review has learned.

In September, eGR reported that Apple had asked affiliates to withdraw in-app betting functions from iOS apps, while also refusing to accept submissions for new apps or process app updates containing in-app betting from those without an operating licence.

Apple referred affiliates to its terms and conditions, more specifically point 20.5 which states: “Apps that offer real money gaming or lotteries must have necessary licensing and permissions in the locations where the App is used…”

However, a number of affiliates sought legal advice and argued that although bet slips were internal to their app, it would be accessing external servers belonging to licensed operators in order to execute bets.

And after receiving a number of legal opinions, Apple is understood to have re-evaluated its interpretation of ruling 20.5 and has now begun processing new app submissions and updates containing in-app betting.

The news will come a relief to affiliates such as Oddschecker and OLBG, which had both been forced to withdraw the functionality despite having placed in-app betting as a key part of their iOS app strategy.

In September, Oddschecker managing director Toby Bentall said the firm was in the process of working towards a solution with Apple, although was unavailable to comment this morning.

Apple had yet to respond for requests to comment at the time of writing.