Starting from September 2024, mandatory minimum classifications will be implemented for esports games in Australia. These classifications were agreed upon by all states and territories and are based on the updated Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023.
Games that include in-game purchases linked to chance elements, such as paid loot boxes, will now have a minimum classification of M. This indicates that these games are not recommended for children below the age of 15.
Computer games that feature simulated gambling, including social casino games, will be restricted to adults only and given a minimum classification of R18+.
The government’s decision to enforce these classifications was supported by research conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. The study found that young individuals who played simulated gambling games were subsequently 40% more likely to engage in real money gambling as young adults.
Before making these changes to video game guidelines, the government consulted with various parties, including industry and community stakeholders, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and the Classification Board.
The Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, expressed the government’s determination to protect vulnerable Australians, particularly children, from gambling-related harm through video games. The government aims to intervene early to ensure the safety of children, as research suggests exposure to gambling-like content can increase the risk of gambling harm later in life.
To combat gambling harm, the Australian government has implemented various initiatives. Earlier this month, it introduced legislation to ban the use of credit cards for online wagering through the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023. This bill extends the existing ban on gambling with credit cards at land-based facilities to online gambling platforms, including digital currencies.
The government has also replaced the tagline “Gamble Responsibly” with evidence-based alternatives and implemented nationally consistent training for staff working in the gambling sector. Additionally, consumers now have access to the BetStop national self-exclusion register, allowing them to exclude themselves from gambling with all Australian licensees for periods ranging from three months to a lifetime.
Furthermore, the government intends to introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring operators to verify a customer’s identity before they can register for a new account and place bets.
