Apple says gambling apps will be rated 17+ in all countries and regions starting today

In an effort to “open up additional opportunities for developers,” Apple said today that it will rate all apps that feature frequent or intense simulated gambling 17+ in all countries and regions starting today, August 20, 2019.

This change was designed to ensure Apple’s global age rating system continues to help make App Store a safe place for kids. Additionally, the Cupertino tech giant is working with the government of the Republic of Korea on making more apps available on the Korean App Store.

The following gambling apps are affected by this change:

  • Apps in the Casino subcategory with age rating 17+
  • Apps in the Games or Entertainment categories with Frequent/Intense selected for at least one of the following content descriptions:
    • Simulated Gambling
    • Sexual Content or Nudity
    • Alcohol, Tobacco or Drug Use or Reference
    • Realistic Violence

The Apple Developer Relations team wrote in an email to developers:

If your app meets at least one of the criteria above, you’ll be able to offer it on the App Store in the Republic of Korea to users 19 years of age or older. You’ll need to enter a Rating Classification Number from the Game Rating and Administration Committee in App Store Connect, and can do so starting August 20. Apps with a number entered at this time will be published later this week. If you don’t have a Rating Classification Number, you can apply for one now.

Registered developers can enter their Rating Classification Number by signing in to the App Store Connect service. In the App Information section under Availability in the Republic of Korea, enter your Rating Classification Number and you can then submit your app for review.