# Age ratings of betting apps in the stores

> What age rating do the App Store and Google Play give betting apps? Why a store label does not replace the age and identity check the law requires of operators.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/store-age-ratings-for-betting-apps/
Updated: 2026-11-07

Apple and Google each put an age label on an app's store page. That label describes the app for the store and does not prove that the operator has checked you. Irish law requires the operator to verify age and identity before an account opens (ss.158 and 169). The labels on the candidate apps are Not checked.

## What the store labels are

- **App Store:** Apple shows an age rating on each app's page, set under Apple's own scale.
- **Google Play:** Google shows a content rating on each app's page, set under its own rating system.
- **Both** are labels from the store. Neither is a check by the operator and neither is a GRAI decision.
- **Scale details:** the current Apple and Google scales are Not checked. We will cite each platform's document when we read it.

**In short:** the label is the store's description of the app, not a check on you.

## Labels on the candidate apps

**Age labels shown on store listing pages for Ireland. Each operator is a candidate, licence to be confirmed on the GRAI register. Source: App Store and Google Play listings, not yet read · checked 7 November 2026**

| App (candidate) | App Store label | Google Play label | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| Paddy Power | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| BoyleSports | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| BetVictor | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| Betway | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| William Hill | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| Unibet | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
| Sky Bet | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |

We read the label on the Irish storefront only. The full listing fields are on [store listing facts](https://beforeyouinstall.com/data/store-listing-facts/).

**In short:** eight candidates, sixteen labels, none read yet.

## What the law requires instead

- **Age:** a child is anyone under 18 (s.2). A child may not take part in betting (s.158).
- **Checks:** identity and age are verified before an account opens (s.169).
- **Dates:** both sections have applied since 5 February 2026.
- **Extra method:** a further way to verify is set out in S.I. No. 315/2026. It concerns operators, not this site.

Read [what the law requires before an account opens](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/age-and-id-checks-before-an-account-opens/). To see the check from your side, read [verifying your age and identity in an app](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/verify-age-and-identity-in-a-betting-app/).

**In short:** the operator's check is the legal one, and the label is not.

## If a phone is shared

A store label does not stop a second person from using an installed app. Use the phone's own controls.

- iPhone: [blocking betting apps with Screen Time](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/block-betting-apps-with-screen-time/).
- Android: [restricting betting apps](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/restrict-betting-apps-on-android/).
- More checks: [shared phone or family device](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/shared-phone-or-family-device-checks/).

**In short:** for a shared device, control installs on the phone itself.

## How we checked

This page rests on the Act sections named above, as summarised in our research notes. We opened no store listing and no Apple or Google rating document. Labels and scales are Not checked.

**What changed:** 7 November 2026, first version.

**In short:** law cited; labels pending.

## Related questions

### What age rating do betting apps have in the App Store?

Not checked on 7 November 2026. The label is shown on each listing page, and we have not read the listings for the candidate apps. Our listing facts page will record it with a date.

### Does a store age rating mean the operator has checked my age?

No. The law requires the operator to check age and identity before an account opens (s.169). A store label is a separate thing, set by the store.

### Can a child install a betting app if the store allows it?

A child under 18 may not take part in betting (s.158), and an account cannot open without the operator's check. Phone controls can also block installs. See the Screen Time and Android guides.

More: [reading a store listing](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/read-a-betting-app-store-listing/) and [betting apps on iPhone](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/iphone/).

## 18+ and help

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: Gambling Awareness Trust helpline 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.

## FAQ

**What age rating do betting apps have in the App Store?**

Not checked on 7 November 2026. The label is shown on each listing page, and we have not read the listings for the candidate apps. Our listing facts page will record it with a date.

**Does a store age rating mean the operator has checked my age?**

No. The law requires the operator to check age and identity before an account opens (s.169). A store label is a separate thing, set by the store.

**Can a child install a betting app if the store allows it?**

A child under 18 may not take part in betting (s.158), and an account cannot open without the operator's check. Phone controls can also block installs. See the Screen Time and Android guides.