Google Play Tightens Crypto App Rules

Key Takeaways

• Google Play's updated policy mandates compliance with local regulations for cryptocurrency exchange and wallet apps, with enforcement beginning January 28, 2026.
• In South Korea, apps must register as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) with the Financial Intelligence Unit to remain available.
• The change aims to enhance user protection and fraud prevention but may limit access to overseas platforms, potentially shifting mobile casino users toward compliant local options.

Google has implemented a significant policy update for cryptocurrency-related applications on the Play Store, requiring developers to obtain local regulatory approvals in targeted regions. Announced recently and set to take full effect starting January 28, 2026, the revision specifically addresses cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets, mandating compliance with jurisdiction-specific licensing requirements. This move aligns with broader global efforts to regulate digital assets, ensuring platforms adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards.

In South Korea, a key market for mobile iGaming, the policy requires all crypto apps to register as VASPs with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Unregistered overseas exchanges, such as Binance, will be ineligible for listing or updates, effectively removing them from the Play Store for Korean users. This enforcement is part of Google's developer content policy, which now ties app availability directly to regional VASP certification.

The update matters because mobile casinos increasingly accept cryptocurrency for deposits, withdrawals, and in-app transactions, offering faster, more anonymous payment options than traditional methods. With crypto adoption rising in iGaming—particularly in Asia, where mobile penetration exceeds 80%—non-compliant apps risk losing market access, disrupting operators reliant on global exchanges for liquidity and user acquisition. For users, this could mean reduced choices, pushing them toward regulated local platforms or decentralized finance (DeFi) alternatives, which may not face the same app store restrictions but carry higher risks due to less oversight.

Implications for operators are multifaceted. Those without VASP registration must invest in compliance processes, potentially delaying product updates or expansions in affected markets. This could favor established local players with existing licenses, fostering a more consolidated ecosystem. On the security front, the policy bolsters fraud prevention by weeding out unregulated apps prone to scams, aligning with priorities such as enhanced KYC to combat SIM swaps and phishing—issues that surged by more than 1,400% in crypto fraud cases last year. However, it may inadvertently drive underground activity if users sideload apps or migrate to web-based platforms.

Broader global effects are evident, as the policy extends to other regions with tailored deadlines. For instance, in the EU, apps must transition to Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licensing by mid-2026, signaling a ripple effect for mobile iGaming operators worldwide. This underscores the need for mobile-first strategies that prioritize regulatory agility, such as integrating compliant payment gateways like stablecoin processors, to maintain seamless UX amid evolving app store rules.

Overall, Google's stance reflects a maturing digital asset landscape, where policy changes like this one prioritize user safety and market integrity, ultimately shaping how mobile casinos innovate in payments and security.