Apple has recently updated its App Store sweepstakes rules, presenting sweepstakes casinos with new regulatory hurdles when making downloadable iOS apps. Centered around protecting players and meeting regulatory guidelines, these updates will require brands to focus more on KYC verification.
The aim of these updates is to create a safe space that all gamers can enjoy legally and responsibly. We’ll take a closer look at how these updates will impact the way sweepstakes casinos create and share apps. Plus, we’ll discuss the potential repercussions for players, including registering for a new account, as sweeps casinos negotiate the new guidelines.
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App Store issues updates on sweeps casinos
Increasingly, many of the top sweepstakes casinos give players a chance to enjoy seamless mobile gaming by creating a native iOS App. In an age where most of us interact with games via our phones, an app can be a great option, allowing for extra personalization and integrated notifications.
Following a recent update to its App Review Guidelines, new regulations mean that sweeps casinos may face additional challenges when launching iOS apps. According to Apple Guidelines 5.3, developers of apps that use virtual currency systems or prize-based contests, such as you’d find at sweeps casinos, will now be required to provide detailed documentation showing how they’re meeting KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. They’ll also have to clearly outline eligibility requirements on the App page.
How do App Store updates impact sweeps casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos do not operate as real money gaming sites. There is no requirement to spend any money to register on these sites or play any of the games.
Instead of real money, players utilize virtual currencies named Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC). GC are used to play slots in free mode, for entertainment only. Sweepstakes Coins are used to play in promotional mode and, once certain rules are met, can be redeemed as prizes, such as cash.
As a result of this unique, free-play model, sweepstakes casinos are entirely legal across the U.S., although they are restricted in some states including California, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington. State-by-state availability varies by brand but is set out on a site’s terms and conditions section.
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Apple bolsters the KYC process
There is no real money gambling at sweeps casinos, but playing at these sites is still a purely adult activity. To make sure players meet a minimum age requirement (18,19, or 21 depending on the player’s home state), Sweeps Casinos require players to go through a KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This requires you to submit evidence of your identity and home address.
These regulations have always been in place but, under the new Apple guidelines, will be more detailed. They could also include mandatory date of birth checks when downloading the app from the App Store or biometric checks. Any sweepstakes casino apps not meeting these rules could be rejected or removed from the App Store.
What do these changes mean for players?
Provided you meet the eligibility criteria including age and home state, it seems that players will be able to register at a specific sweeps casino in just the same way as before. Verification may take longer to go through, but the extra security means that only eligible players can access the site, creating a secure environment for all gamers.
Summary – new Apple guidelines make safer sweeps apps
In a period where the majority of us access our gaming from our mobiles, it’s more important than ever for sweepstakes casinos to create apps which uphold all regulatory guidelines and maintain player safety. Apple’s updated guidance, which reinforces and enhances what the best sweepstakes casinos were already doing, adds another layer of security with date of birth checks and more detailed verification. These new guidelines will help to keep everyone safe by only allowing adults from eligible home states to sign up, which is good news for everyone.
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