California files daily fantasy sports bill; Google Play allows real-money DFS apps

Google has reversed its policy toward allowing real-money daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps in its Google Play store.

Google quietly approved Android apps by DFS market leaders DraftKings and FanDuel in its Google Play store over the weekend. DraftKings’ app appeared first, with FanDuel following suit the next day.

In August 2013, Google Play restricted all gambling apps, including ‘games of skill,’ if they offered “prizes of cash or other value.” Both DraftKings and FanDuel had Android apps in Google Play, but their functionality was limited to checking scores and stats. In May, FanDuel released a new Android app promising the “full Fanduel experience” for players, but the app was available only via FanDuel’s website.

Google Play’s developer program policies have not been altered, and a source told Fortune.com that the app approvals were part of a “closed, limited pilot” program in the US Google Play store. Google doesn’t intend to take a transaction fee from the two apps.