Apple instates new rules for children’s apps, gambling games

Aug 15, 2013 12:06 GMT  ·  By

The new App Store Review Guidelines include new stipulations regarding gambling apps, as well as new policies for kids.

In accordance with the new guidelines, apps are allowed to ask for the date of birth “only for the purpose of complying with applicable children's privacy statutes, but must include some useful functionality or entertainment value regardless of the user's age.”

Apps that collect data (such as name, address, email, location) from a minor also “must comply with applicable children's privacy statutes.”

The new guidelines for gambling apps (with real money) state that such IPs need to be free downloads from now on, and they also mustn’t include in-app purchases in exchange for credit or currency.

“Apps that offer real money gaming (e.g. sports betting, poker, casino games, horse racing) must have necessary licensing and permissions in the locations where the App is used, must be restricted to those locations, and must be free on the App Store,” Apple states.

“Apps that use IAP to purchase credit or currency to use in conjunction with real money gaming will be rejected,” the updated rulebook adds.