From 22 September 2024, the Australian Government has introduced new classifications to video games that contain gambling like content. These changes are in response to growing community concern for children and research findings that links gambling-like content in video games to problem gambling in real-life, as well as psychological and emotional harm.

The new classifications that will be displayed for video games with gambling-like content are: 

• M (Mature – not recommended for children under 15) for computer games containing in-games purchases linked to elements of chance, including paid loot boxes (these are mystery items players can use real money to buy, without knowing what item they will get) 
• R 18+ (Restricted to adults 18 years and over) for computer games containing simulated gambling.
  The changes will apply to games on computers, gaming consoles, phones and tablets.

Full definitions can be found in the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023.

More details for parents and carers can be found at New classifications for gambling-like content in video games.

Further details for industry can be found at: