Fix Apple Gambling App Rejection (Guideline 5.3)
Start My Free App Setup

🎰 Avoiding Apple Rejection: Guideline 5.3 – Gambling, Betting, and Lotteries Explained

Written by: ShopApper Team
03.07.2025 - 4 mins read

Table of Contents

If your app involves gambling, simulated betting, or sweepstakes, getting approved on the App Store requires extra care. Apple’s Guideline 5.3 is one of the most strictly enforced sections of their App Review Guidelines. Even minor oversights can lead to immediate rejection — or even app removal.
In this post, we’ll explain what Apple expects, the key reasons gambling apps get rejected, and how to ensure your app meets the legal and technical requirements from day one.

🧱 Understanding the Different Gambling App Types

To comply with Apple Guideline 5.3, it’s essential to understand what category your app falls into. Here’s a closer look at each type:

1. Real Money Gambling Apps

Apps where users can deposit and withdraw real currency. Examples:
  • Online casinos
  • Sports betting platforms
  • Real-money poker
📝 Apple Requires:
  • Proof of gambling license
  • Availability only in licensed regions
  • Strong age verification and legal disclaimers

2. Simulated Gambling Apps

Apps that mimic gambling mechanics (e.g., slots, blackjack, roulette) but don’t involve real payouts.
Examples:
  • Slot machine games with virtual coins
  • Casino-themed entertainment apps
📝 Apple Requires:
  • Age gating (often 17+ or 18+)
  • Transparency about in-app purchases
  • Use of Apple IAP for buying virtual currency
💡 Even if no real money is involved, simulated gambling still requires compliance — especially if it feels too realistic or addictive.

3. Sweepstakes & Lottery Apps

Apps that offer prize-based contests — including raffles, draws, or spin-to-win wheels.
📝 Apple Requires:
  • Legal eligibility criteria in app description
  • Clear rules, disclosures, and terms of participation
  • Avoiding misleading chances of winning

🛠 How to Avoid a Gambling App Rejection

Here’s what you need to do to launch a gambling-related app that meets Apple’s standards:

✅ 1. Restrict Access Based on Geography

Apple only allows gambling apps in regions where it’s legally permitted. That means:
  • Use geo-blocking to restrict access in prohibited countries
  • Limit App Store availability to licensed regions (use App Store Connect settings)
  • Don’t enable VPN workarounds or ignore location settings
💡 ShopApper Tip: We implement regional filters and block access where needed.

✅ 2. Set Up Age Verification (Age Gating)

Your app must prevent underage users from accessing gambling features:
  • Include an age gate on first launch (typically 17+, 18+, or 21+ depending on the country)
  • Correctly configure your age rating in App Store Connect
  • Use Apple’s built-in parental control features when applicable
💡 ShopApper Tip: We build in custom onboarding screens with age confirmation.

✅ 3. Provide Proof of Licensing (If Required)

If your app supports real money betting or wagering, Apple will require:
  • A valid gambling license for every country your app is available in
  • Legal entity details, license ID, and operator information
  • Clear disclosures and links to responsible gaming policies
💡 We help you include this documentation in your App Review Notes.

✅ 4. Use In-App Purchases for Virtual Currency

For simulated gambling (e.g., slot machines with coins), Apple requires:
  • Only Apple’s In-App Purchase (IAP) system for buying coins, chips, or credits
  • No PayPal, Stripe, or third-party payment methods for digital goods
  • Full transparency about what users are buying and whether purchases are consumable
💡 We’ll help you configure IAPs and guide you through setup in App Store Connect.

How Prepared Is Your Store for a Mobile App?

Find out with the App Readiness Score Test.

Answer a few quick questions and get a custom report on your app potential, missed opportunities, and where to level up.

Claim Your Free App Readiness Report →

🚫 What Not to Do (Common Mistakes)

❌ Mistake
🚫 Why It Fails Review
No geo-restriction for banned countries
Violates international gambling regulations
No age-gating or wrong age rating
Exposes minors to gambling content
Using Stripe/PayPal for coin purchases
Bypasses Apple’s IAP policy
No licensing or legal disclosure
Apple cannot verify the legitimacy of your app
Misleading users about odds/rewards
Considered deceptive behavior

✅ How ShopApper Helps You Launch Compliant Gambling Apps

Whether your app simulates a casino game or enables real money betting, ShopApper helps you comply with Apple’s strict requirements — without needing to build everything from scratch.
With ShopApper, you get:
  • 🌍 Geo-Blocking Support
  • We limit your app’s availability to countries where gambling is legal — both in the App Store and within the app.
  • 👶 Age Verification Built-In
  • We add mandatory age gates (18+, 21+) and set the correct age rating to comply with Apple’s rules.
  • 📄 License Upload Assistance
  • Need to submit a gaming license? We help prepare and upload required documents during review.
  • 💰 Apple IAP Setup
  • Selling virtual chips or coins? We set up Apple’s In-App Purchase system for full compliance.
  • 🧠 App Review Guidance
  • We review your app before submission and guide you through Apple’s review process to prevent rejection.

📲 Launching a Gambling App?

Don’t risk rejection, delays, or account issues. Let ShopApper guide you through a compliant launch process and ensure your app is ready for approval.

👉 Fix My Rejection with ShopApper

Start My Free App Setup

Features

  • Resources

Start By Industry

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
ShopApper vs. Mobiloud
ShopApper vs. AppMySite
ShopApper vs. AppPresser

Ece

Account Manager at ShopApper

I’m Ece, your Account Manager. I’m eager to learn about your business and assist you in achieving your goals.

Please share some info about your business so I can be fully prepared to answer your queries. I’ll reply within 15-20 minutes. Thanks!  :point_right:

Get All Your Questions Answered