Australia’s New Video Game Classification Rules Target Gambling and Loot Boxes
Australia’s updated classification standards for video games featuring gambling-like content went live on September 22, 2024. These changes, announced a year ago, aim to better protect children from potential gambling-related harm by enforcing stricter age ratings. The changes will apply to video games on all platforms, underscoring the government’s commitment to prioritizing consumer protection and transparency in the gaming industry.
The guidelines, established in collaboration with all states and territories, update the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023 to address concerns around gambling mechanics in video games.
Key Changes to Game Classifications
- Automatic 18+ Rating: Any video game containing gambling-style elements, including casino mini-games or side-quests, will be automatically classified as 18+, regardless of its overall theme.
- ‘M’ Rating for Loot Boxes: Games with paid loot boxes or any gambling-like mechanics involving real-world currency and chance will receive an advisory ‘M’ rating.
Titles such as New Super Bros. and Pokémon Red and Blue, which feature gambling-style mechanics like poker games or slot machines, would have been classified as 18+ under the new rules at the time of their release.
However, existing games currently available will not be retroactively reclassified. The regulations will only apply to new releases, updated versions, or re-releases going forward.
The advisory ‘M’ rating for paid loot boxes means these games can still be sold to anyone but are flagged for parental discretion due to their gambling-like nature.
A Response to Long-Standing Concern
This policy shift follows years of public debate and government inquiries into the effects of gambling mechanics in video games. In 2022, the late Labor MP Peta Murphy led an investigation focusing on how loot boxes and simulated gambling impact minors and problem gamblers.
For players and parents seeking a safer gaming environment, it is essential to understand the broader gambling industry regulations in Australia.
Reviewing resources like a comprehensive list of Australian online casinos can also help identify platforms that operate under strict legal guidelines, ensuring transparency and protection against harmful practices.
Next Steps for Regulation
While these changes mark significant progress, advocacy groups and policymakers are pushing for further reforms, including a potential blanket ban on sports betting ads.
As concerns about gambling’s influence on younger generations continue to grow, these measures signal a broader shift toward safeguarding vulnerable groups in Australia.
