I’m looking for guidance regarding App Review classifying my app as gambling / real-money gaming under Guideline 5.3.4.
My app is a free football prediction competition app where users predict match scores and compete in rankings based on prediction accuracy.
Top-ranked users may occasionally receive promotional physical prizes such as headphones, consoles, or other products.
Important details:
participation is completely free
there are no entry fees
users cannot deposit money
users cannot withdraw money
there is no wagering or betting system
there are no sportsbooks, odds, or casino mechanics
users never risk money to participate
prizes are funded directly by the platform as promotional rewards
Apple rejected the app under:
Guideline 2.3.6 – Accurate Metadata
Guideline 5.3.4 – Gaming, Gambling, and Lotteries
App Review is stating that the app includes “real money gambling, real money betting, or real money skill-based gaming” and is requesting gambling licenses and geo-restrictions.
My understanding was that gambling generally requires users to risk something of value (money/payment/consideration) for a chance to win prizes, which does not happen in this app.
I would appreciate guidance from developers who have experience with:
Free prediction or fantasy-style apps with promotional prizes
Skill-based competitions reviewed by Apple
Sweepstakes/contest compliance on the App Store
UI/wording that may accidentally trigger gambling classification
Whether App Review typically requires legal contest rules instead of gambling licenses in cases like this
If anyone has successfully published a similar app, I’d really appreciate hearing what changes or clarifications helped during review.
I want to launch initially in Brazil
Thank you.
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