For video games with gambling-like material, Australia has established new classification rules that will go into effect on September 22. Growing worries about the nation’s gambling damage rates and possible connections between video game mechanics and gambling addiction are reflected in this shift.
The updated guidelines will impact games with in-game purchases like loot boxes, which have sparked debates worldwide. Australia won’t ban loot boxes outright but will assign an M (Mature) rating to games that include them. While this rating advises against access by those under 15, it doesn’t impose legal sales restrictions. On the other hand, games that simulate gambling, such as slots or casino games, will receive an R 18+ classification, legally restricting them to adults.
The classification changes will impact retailers, PC, and console platforms offering games with purchasable loot boxes or other gambling-like mechanics linked to real money. Games with simulated gambling or interactive gambling elements will also face stricter classification. However, the guidelines will not affect titles that merely feature casino settings without actual gambling simulations. Games offering chance-based mechanics without real-money associations will also remain exempt. The new rules will primarily apply to future releases or games undergoing significant updates.