A large number of gambling-related mobile applications have been removed from the App Store and hundreds more would likely follow after Apple implemented a new App Review policy today. In an attempt to fight illegal online gambling activity, the tech giant wiped out individual developers’ gambling apps from the popular platform. Apple has a history of being anti-gambling. It has frequently pulled apps in countries where gambling is banned or heavily restricted. Last summer, the tech giant pulled an estimated 25,000 gambling apps from its App Store in China. Gambling is illegal in China, except in Macau where there are licensed casinos. A complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleges Apple is complicit in promoting gambling and addictive behavior by allowing developers to market apps.

In October 2020, multiple class-action lawsuits were filed against Apple, Inc. for allegedly promoting illegal virtual gambling games – including slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, keno, and bingo – in its App Store. Plaintiffs claim that even though the games are initially free to download and play, players must use real money to buy more of the in-game currency to continue playing the games after they run out of the free coins given to them when they download the games. Click on the case information below to read the complaints.

For more of TINA.org’s coverage of games, click here.

Apple has reportedly kicked off a mass removal of illegal lottery and gambling apps from the China version of its iOS App Store.

Apple App Store Gambling Policy Free

Multiple reports indicate that the Cupertino phone seller has had to purge roughly 25,000 apps from the localized version of the store it offers on the Chinese mainland.

Apple, per usual, did not respond to a Reg request for comment on the matter, but some outlets have been provided a blanket statement that reads 'Gambling apps are illegal and not allowed on the App Store in China. We have already removed many apps and developers for trying to distribute illegal gambling apps on our App Store, and we are vigilant in our efforts to find these and stop them from being on the App Store.'

Chinese state media had reported the apps were pulled after users claimed they were being scammed out of money. The reports were critical of the company's failure to properly screen out apps.

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Apple has long maintained an uneasy truce with China's government in order to keep its product on the market in the mainland. In order to keep its multi-billion dollar China business open, the company has had to take extra measures to monitor and censor its service.

Apple App Store Gambling Policy Online

Apple App Store Gambling Policy 2019

Last year, for example, Apple had to ban VPN apps from the Chinese App Store over fears they could be used to circumvent the country's strict censorship platform.

Apple has countered that complying with these measures helps the company get leeway from Chinese authorities in other areas, such as allowing artistic expression.

If that wasn't enough, Apple also finds itself caught in the middle of the escalating trade feud between the US and China. The iPhone seller has at times found itself an unwilling bargaining chip as Beijing and the Trump administration have squared off over tariffs and licensing policies.

Fortunately for Apple, investors don't seem too worried, just yet. The company's shares closed out the day down less than 1 per cent. ®