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What do the app stores say about sweepstakes apps?
Neither policy we read names sweepstakes casinos directly, so these are the closest rules.
| Store | What the policy says |
|---|---|
| Apple | Sweepstakes must be sponsored by the developer, with official rules in the app that say Apple is not involved |
| Apple | Real-money gaming apps need licensing where used, must be geo-restricted and must be free on the App Store |
| Apple | In-app purchase cannot be used to buy credit or currency for real-money gaming |
| Google Play | Lists games that accept money for a chance to win a physical or monetary prize among prohibited content, outside its approved programs |
Why do sources disagree about sweepstakes apps?
The dispute is whether these apps count as real-money gaming, which is the central legal argument about the model. One trade guide says Google Play does not allow them, while another calls Google Play the more permissive store. We have not tested each listing. Rules also change: trade reports say Google stopped treating sweepstakes-style games as social casino games for advertising on October 28, 2025.
Does an app in a store mean a sweepstakes casino is legal?
No. Store review is not a state license. The law firm Sheppard Mullin notes that some lawsuits over these games have also named app stores, and that store rules are a separate question from gambling law. Check your state page, whatever the store shows.
What about playing in a mobile browser?
Some sites run in a phone browser, with no app to download. No store has reviewed the site in that case, and the same state laws apply to it. Be careful with any request to install an app from a direct download link, because it has not gone through a store check at all.
How do sweepstakes apps compare with licensed casino apps?
Licensed apps sit under a state license. They must be approved by a state regulator and must confirm you are in a licensed state, and our guide to online casino apps sets out what to check. Sweepstakes apps have no state casino license behind them, whatever their store listing says.
What are the rules in your state?
Each state sets its own online casino rules. Pick a state to see its status, its regulator and the date we last checked it.
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Sources
Checked November 5, 2026. Regulator rules were read through the sources listed, and they can change. How we research.
- Apple: App Store Review Guidelines, section 5.3
- Google Play: real-money gambling, games and contests policy
- Sheppard Mullin: the social casino sweepstakes model is under fire (March 7, 2025)