Google Chromecast to Block Online Gambling Apps

Google Chromecast will allow you to transfer video from your Android or table to a larger device such as your TV, that is unless you want to play online poker or porn. According to Gigaom, Google recently revealed their Terms of Service for their Google Cast SDK.

Item four of the SDK TOS states that developers must comply with the content policies specified under their Google Play Developer Program Policies. The first on that is sexually explicit material. That means that apps such as Playboy.TV will not be available for Chromecast.

The other rule that most affects the online poker community is their rule against gambling. According to their program policies, ” We don’t allow content or services that facilitate online gambling, including but not limited to, online casinos, sports betting and lotteries, or games of skill that offer prizes of cash or other value.”

The “game of skill” argument doesn’t apply here as Google has even banned those. Anyone who violates these policies will have their apps subject to “de-registration” which will likely mean the app will be blocked.

With that said, Google’s policies only extend to apps. Chromecast will have the ability to mirror your web browser, meaning that if you use your web browser to play poker, it can be streamed. There are no restrictions to streaming content from the Chrome web browser, at least not yet.