Betting Apps Can Now Be Downloaded on Android in Brazil

Google is changing how Brazilians access gambling apps on Android. The company now allows betting and casino apps to be downloaded directly from the Play Store in Brazil, opening the door for licensed operators to reach users without needing third-party links or risky downloads.

Good to know

• Only operators licensed by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance can list apps on the Play Store.
• Apps must include a valid license reference and link from the operator’s domain.
• Google Ads in Brazil will now allow gambling-related promotions from authorized providers.

Previously, only apps from Caixa Econômica Federal, including those tied to lotteries and horse racing, were permitted on Google’s platform. Any other gambling service had to rely on workarounds, often pushing users through web browsers or alternative app stores. That left players exposed to fake versions, phishing threats, and unreliable experiences.

Now, with more than 200 operators already approved by Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), the shift lets them upload official apps directly to the Play Store—as long as they follow the rules. Each must clearly show proof of SPA licensing and provide a working link from their official website to their Play Store listing. The goal is to protect users and reduce access to unauthorized or misleading apps.

The update also changes advertising. Google Ads in Brazil will start accepting gambling promotions, including in-app and search engine placements, again only for operators that hold a license. This shift brings Brazil in line with Google’s approach in other regulated countries, where rules help block black-market gambling traffic and promote safer access.

One app in the spotlight is “Fortune Tiger,” often called “Jogo do Tigrinho” in Brazil. Although it has drawn criticism for its addictive nature, supporters argue that by moving it to regulated platforms, authorities can apply better controls and reduce illegal use.