Simulated gambling

What it covers

Slot machines, card tables, roulette and betting played for in-game coins, and gambling imagery such as casino settings, even when no real money can be staked or won. When you can bet real money for a chance of real money, that is a different badge: real-money gambling.

How the rating boards label it

Australia's Classification Board uses 'gambling themes' from 'Very mild' at G upwards and, at R 18+ only, 'High impact simulated gambling'. Since 22 September 2024, games with simulated gambling must be rated at least R 18+, and games with in-game purchases linked to chance at least M; the rule isn't retrospective, so older games can carry lower ratings.

The ESRB uses Gambling Themes (prominent gambling imagery or activities, without a gambling simulation), Simulated Gambling (gambling without real money, typically casino-style) and Real Gambling (betting real money, which brings an Adults Only rating).

PEGI's Gambling descriptor goes on games that prominently reference gambling (PEGI 12), while simulated casino-style games of chance need PEGI 18.

Mild, moderate and strong

Mild: gambling imagery or references, such as a casino in the background (ESRB Gambling Themes, ACB G or PG gambling themes).

Moderate: casino-style mini-games played for in-game currency (ESRB Simulated Gambling, ACB M, PEGI 12 or 16).

Strong: simulated gambling at the centre of the game, or rated for adults (ACB MA 15+ or R 18+, PEGI 18).

Rules and regulation

Since 22 September 2024, Australian games containing simulated gambling are rated at least R 18+, and games with in-game purchases linked to chance (such as paid loot boxes) at least M. Older games keep their earlier ratings.