App Store 5.3.4 rejection: Real-money gaming and lottery access
By The Draftbit team · Updated
Sources checked
This guide is for iPhone and iPad apps providing real-money gaming or lotteries.
Your license may cover one place while the app lets people play from another. Guideline 5.3.4 requires the necessary licensing, geographic restrictions to permitted locations, and a free App Store download for real-money gaming and lottery apps.
Check where the service can actually be used
Compare licenses, store distribution, account eligibility, and in-app geographic controls. We’d test location restrictions in the app as well as the countries selected in App Store Connect.
Apple also prohibits illegal gambling aids, including card counters. Its lottery rule specifies consideration, chance, and a prize. Have qualified advisers assess the actual product and jurisdictions rather than relying on a label such as “competition.”
Verify the permitted experience
Remove prohibited functionality and restrict service to licensed locations. Check that the app is free to download and that payment flows meet 5.3.3.
Use safe test accounts to verify permitted and excluded locations. Supply Apple the licensing information and clear review instructions. An age gate or a statement in the terms doesn’t demonstrate that geographic access is enforced.
Messages this guide can help with
App Store 5.3.4 rejection; app store 5.3.4 denial; Guideline 5.3.4; Real-money gaming and lottery access
Official sources
We checked these instructions against the sources below. The console layout may change, and your review decision may call for different steps.
- Apple App Review guideline 5.3.4 Checked 22 September 2026