Are these acceptable for BOTH iPhone and Android?

Solar2D General Questions/Discussion
#1

I want to create some memory apps and then offer competitions, where each person pays say $1 to enter then offer REAL world cash prizes.  I understand that I cannot pay through the iPhone/Android, that I would have to pay offsite.

Is there any problems with this?

I have already contacted both the Vegas and European Gambling Commission and both said since this is game of skill it is not gambling.

I am surprised to find that there are VERY few if any (I couldn’t find any) apps that offered real cash prizes.  I was wondering if because people are greedy, or maybe too hard to do or Apple/Android didn’t allow for some reason.

Thanks!

#2

Apple  (and Android Play Store) do not allow wagering with real money as far as I know. Apple also does not allow any monetary transactions that does not go through them.

You could do an Android app but I doubt you could distribute it through Play store.

Perhaps there is some work around where you set up a site and everyone pays there and then the app is only for playing the game?

#3

Thanks for your reply.  However, you said the word “wagering” as if you thought it is gambling.  It is not gambling (I have already verified that).

Or maybe you just used the wrong word. 

Sure, I could have them pay on website (actually would be MUCH better as it would be cheaper) but would Apple get angry about money not going through them?

Would they deny my app when I advertise it as a way to earn scholarship money?  Ie real money is being used BY the app (but not passing through them)

But, I recently was told they NOW allow gambling apps.  So, maybe they would allow?  Wish there was a way for me to ask them but they don’t allow questions like that.  I would hate to spend money on the app then be told not allowed.

Thanks!

#4

We’ll agree to disagree on wagering I guess :slight_smile: "An agreement under which each bettor pledges a certain amount to the other depending on the outcome of an unsettled matter. " 

Maybe someone with direct experience on this and has read the TOS can comment on your question.

#5

True, but there is no betting going on.  It is money to enter a tournament.  Like a chess tournament.

Would they allow a chess tournament app where you paid to enter a tournament, then competed and won real money?

Of course I would not do a chess tournament app because of chess computers could help you cheat.  But, if they would allow that then they would allow mine.

I just wish I could ask someone who knew for sure.  I don’t have the money to develop it and then be told that I can’t use it.

I asked Apple and they said “we do not provide answers to ‘do you allow this’ type of questions - you have to read TOS and speak to a lawyer”.  UGH!

Thanks!

#6

I think you are somewhat in denial. If Angry Birds could let 2 friends pay money to see who can knock out more pigs and winner takes it all (a.k.a. bet) and perhaps Angry Birds creator would get a 5-10% cut, they would make so much money its nauseating.

I would wager a lot of money that thousands of developers have tried.

Also paying money on a secondary site is not going to work I think. Then there would be real money poker apps available on iOS. Poker is defined as a game of skill.

Maybe take a look at GoPrezzo that Corona was just announcing partnership with as an alternative? 

#7

Hmmm Maybe you are right, maybe I am in denial.  I guess I am confused also.

While I agree Poker was recently defined as a game of skill it is still regulated by the gaming industry and America does not allow Poker Websites.

However, take Chess for example - You can enter a chess tournament online at www.chessclub.com - pay an entry fee online and play the games online and then win real money.  And can cash it out.  Chess tournaments online are NOT regulated in ANY way and America has no problem allowing those as real websites.

HOWEVER, your EXCELLENT idea of Angry Birds made me realize that maybe it is not regulation but maybe just Apple saying no.  I would agree that competing in Angry Birds would be skill too.  So, maybe it is just APPLE ruling with an iron fist.

So, I guess I have to wait till they allow poker apps (which I understand they now allow for Europe).  So, once they allow poker apps (real money) for everywhere then my app would be ok?

So, do you agree, that is not a legal issue, just an Apple ruling with iron fist issue?

Thanks for your insight.

Thanks!

#8

Apple  (and Android Play Store) do not allow wagering with real money as far as I know. Apple also does not allow any monetary transactions that does not go through them.

You could do an Android app but I doubt you could distribute it through Play store.

Perhaps there is some work around where you set up a site and everyone pays there and then the app is only for playing the game?

#9

Thanks for your reply.  However, you said the word “wagering” as if you thought it is gambling.  It is not gambling (I have already verified that).

Or maybe you just used the wrong word. 

Sure, I could have them pay on website (actually would be MUCH better as it would be cheaper) but would Apple get angry about money not going through them?

Would they deny my app when I advertise it as a way to earn scholarship money?  Ie real money is being used BY the app (but not passing through them)

But, I recently was told they NOW allow gambling apps.  So, maybe they would allow?  Wish there was a way for me to ask them but they don’t allow questions like that.  I would hate to spend money on the app then be told not allowed.

Thanks!

#10

We’ll agree to disagree on wagering I guess :slight_smile: "An agreement under which each bettor pledges a certain amount to the other depending on the outcome of an unsettled matter. " 

Maybe someone with direct experience on this and has read the TOS can comment on your question.

#11

True, but there is no betting going on.  It is money to enter a tournament.  Like a chess tournament.

Would they allow a chess tournament app where you paid to enter a tournament, then competed and won real money?

Of course I would not do a chess tournament app because of chess computers could help you cheat.  But, if they would allow that then they would allow mine.

I just wish I could ask someone who knew for sure.  I don’t have the money to develop it and then be told that I can’t use it.

I asked Apple and they said “we do not provide answers to ‘do you allow this’ type of questions - you have to read TOS and speak to a lawyer”.  UGH!

Thanks!

#12

I think you are somewhat in denial. If Angry Birds could let 2 friends pay money to see who can knock out more pigs and winner takes it all (a.k.a. bet) and perhaps Angry Birds creator would get a 5-10% cut, they would make so much money its nauseating.

I would wager a lot of money that thousands of developers have tried.

Also paying money on a secondary site is not going to work I think. Then there would be real money poker apps available on iOS. Poker is defined as a game of skill.

Maybe take a look at GoPrezzo that Corona was just announcing partnership with as an alternative? 

#13

Hmmm Maybe you are right, maybe I am in denial.  I guess I am confused also.

While I agree Poker was recently defined as a game of skill it is still regulated by the gaming industry and America does not allow Poker Websites.

However, take Chess for example - You can enter a chess tournament online at www.chessclub.com - pay an entry fee online and play the games online and then win real money.  And can cash it out.  Chess tournaments online are NOT regulated in ANY way and America has no problem allowing those as real websites.

HOWEVER, your EXCELLENT idea of Angry Birds made me realize that maybe it is not regulation but maybe just Apple saying no.  I would agree that competing in Angry Birds would be skill too.  So, maybe it is just APPLE ruling with an iron fist.

So, I guess I have to wait till they allow poker apps (which I understand they now allow for Europe).  So, once they allow poker apps (real money) for everywhere then my app would be ok?

So, do you agree, that is not a legal issue, just an Apple ruling with iron fist issue?

Thanks for your insight.

Thanks!