Video games containing simulated gambling and other gambling-like content are now subject to new mandatory minimum classifications, following changes introduced by the Albanese Government, with unanimous support from states and territories.
Coming into effect today, updates to the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023 mean that video games containing in-game purchases linked to elements of chance, such as paid loot boxes, will receive a minimum classification of M (Mature - not recommended for children under 15 years of age).
Video games containing simulated gambling, such as social casino games, will be legally restricted to adults only with a minimum classification of R18+.
These changes apply to video games played on all devices including phones, tablets, consoles and PCs.
It comes in response to growing community concerns about the potential harms of children accessing gambling content in video games. Research commissioned by the Australian Government has found links between in-game purchases, loot boxes, simulated gambling and gambling harm.
Further recent research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that young people who played simulated gambling games were 40 per cent more likely to spend real money on gambling as young adults.
The introduction of mandatory minimum classifications for video games with gambling-like content is one of a series of reforms the Albanese Government has implemented to tackle problem gambling, including:
- Launching the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop), of which more than 28,000 Australians have now registered, with 40 per cent of those opting for self-imposed lifetime bans.
- Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering - so Australians cannot gamble with money they don't have.
- Implementing monthly activity statements so Australians who gamble online can clearly see their wins and losses each month.
- Mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and strengthen protections for BetStop registrants.
- Replacing the ineffective 'Gamble Responsibly' message on wagering advertising with new, evidence-based taglines with stronger messages about the risks and harms of online gambling.
- Introducing nationally consistent staff training, and
- Commencing a review into the regulation of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries.
The Government is closely considering all 31 recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Gambling and will release a comprehensive response in due course.
The new guidelines were developed following a public consultation process alongside targeted discussions with key industry and community stakeholders, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Classification Board and states and territories.
