Sports betting affiliates asked to withdraw in-app betting
Apple policy change sparks withdrawal of in-app wallet functions, with affiliates set for meeting with Apple next week
Sports betting affiliates have been asked to withdraw in-app betting functions from their iOS apps after a change in policy from technology firm Apple, eGaming Review understands.
The change in policy comes after many affiliates have integrated wallet functions in recent months in order to allow customers to place bets without having to leave the app.
But eGR understands Apple has said any app offering betting services should belong to a company holding an official gambling licence, and any workarounds will be blocked at submission stage.
Sportsbook affiliate site Oddschecker launched a new app in January this year enabling customers to place bets through the app for the first time, while fellow affiliate OLBG added the functionality in July.
However both Oddschecker and OLBG have now updated their apps in order to remove in-app betting functions and Oddschecker has also amended the wording of its help section to clarify the app’s functionality.
Speaking to eGR this morning Toby Bentall, managing director at Oddschecker, confirmed the company is in the process of working towards a solution with Apple.
Meanwhile the Racing Post’s mobile application, which also offers in-app betting through partnerships with William Hill and Ladbrokes, has retained its betting functionality with the firm, telling eGR it has yet to be informed of “anything definitive from anyone, including Apple”.
Apple had yet to respond to requests for comment at the time of writing.