I am developing a mobile gaming app where players can either collect the app's virtual currency through winning tournaments or by purchasing virtual currency, which will be used to purchase real prizes and gift cards/vouchers. The application will be cross-platform where players can access their account on other platforms outside of the mobile app. My question is whether the purchase of the virtual currency would be treated as an IAP or not since there is a physical value of the virtual currency outside of the app because it can be used to purchase gift cards and other real prizes? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated it. Thanks!

I am looking to launch a 'skill based game tournament app which involves players purchasing in-game currency to compete against each other in video games with users able to withdraw their winnings. Entirely skill based games. The currency is being purchased by credit card or apple pay. No currency purchases through the apple store. I was hoping to get some clarification on 5.3.3 of the review guidelines. "5.3.3 Apps may not use in-app purchase to purchase credit or currency for use in conjunction with real money gaming of any kind, and may not enable people to purchase lottery or raffle tickets or initiate fund transfers in the app." Does this mean we are ok as long as we do not use the apple store for currency purchases? Is there anything else that might cause my app to be rejected by the Review Team? Thanks, JY