# Choosing a betting app: the checks that matter before you download

> What to check before installing a betting app in Australia: register licence, store age rating, safer-gambling tools, update record and privacy policy.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/what-to-compare-in-a-betting-app/
Updated: 2026-11-13

Before you download a betting app, check four things you can see in advance: whether the operator is in the ACMA register, the age rating on the store listing, the safer-gambling tools the operator describes, and the update record. Interface quality is not measured here. Banking and withdrawals are covered on other pages.

## What you can check before installing

**What can be checked before install. Source: store listings, register, operator pages, OAIC · checked 2026-11-13**

| Check | Possible before install? | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Licence in the register | Yes | ACMA register, by exact domain |
| Age rating on the store listing | Yes | App Store and Google Play listing |
| Time-out, deposit limit and BetStop described | Yes | Operator's responsible-gambling page |
| Version and last update date | Yes | Store listing; recorded as check C11 |
| Privacy policy and how data is handled | Yes | App listing and operator policy; the Australian Privacy Principles set the standard |
| Whether tools work inside the app | No, only after install | The app itself |
| Interface and speed | Not measured | Not part of the twelve checks |

**Bottom line:** four checks work before install; two things do not.

## Licence first

Search the operator's exact domain in the [ACMA register](https://www.acma.gov.au/check-if-gambling-operator-legal). An app store listing does not show a licence.

Steps: [check a bookmaker's licence](https://bookiechecklist.com/check-bookmaker-licence/).

**Bottom line:** a listing is not a licence.

## Safer-gambling tools

Look for a time-out, a deposit limit, BetStop and activity statements on the operator's page. The twelve checks record each as Found, Not found on the page checked, or Not confirmed.

See [safer-gambling tools snapshot](https://bookiechecklist.com/safer-gambling-tools-snapshot/).

**Bottom line:** tools are read from the page, then confirmed in the app.

## Privacy and updates

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner publishes the [Privacy Act and the 13 Australian Privacy Principles](https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/the-privacy-act). Read the policy before you give an app your details.

The store listing shows the version and update date. Those are recorded monthly: [app store facts snapshot](https://bookiechecklist.com/app-store-facts-snapshot/).

**Bottom line:** read the policy and the update date before you sign up.

## What you cannot know before install

A store listing will not show whether a deposit limit works smoothly, how quickly support replies or how the app behaves under load. Those are not recorded here.

Check C11 stores only the listing facts: that a listing was found, the version and the update date. It does not rate the app.

**Bottom line:** C11 records listing facts and nothing about quality.

## What has not been read yet

No store listing has been read for this page. Status for every app: Not confirmed on 2026-11-13. Related: [is a betting app safe to use](https://bookiechecklist.com/is-a-betting-app-safe-to-use/).

**Bottom line:** listing facts are still to be collected.

## 18+ and getting help

18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit [gamblinghelponline.org.au](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/). To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at [betstop.gov.au](https://www.betstop.gov.au).

We are not a bookmaker and do not take bets.

## FAQ

**What should I check before downloading a betting app?**

The operator's record in the ACMA register, the age rating on the store listing, the safer-gambling tools it describes, and the update record.

**Does an app store listing show that the operator is licensed?**

No. A listing proves the app exists. The licence is read from the ACMA register.

**Does this page rate app interfaces?**

No. Interface and speed are not part of the twelve checks and are not measured.

**Where do privacy rules come from?**

The Privacy Act 1988 and its 13 Australian Privacy Principles, published by the OAIC. Read the operator's policy before you sign up.