Australia’s legal officers endorse official new gambling video game crackdown

Video games that simulate gambling will be restricted to adults only, under a new federal crackdown Australia’s top legal officers have endorsed.

Video games that simulate gambling will be restricted to adults only, under a new federal crackdown Australia’s top legal officers have endorsed.

The Standing Council of Attorneys-General late on Friday agreed new mandatory classifications on computer games with gambling-like content, from later next year.

The new laws, to be enforced from September 2024, will mandate two controls, which are similar for violence, sex or other adult-related content.

Computer games that simulate gambling, such as social casino games, will be legally restricted to adults only through a minimum R18+ classification.

An M classification – mature, not recommended for children aged under 15 years of age – will be introduced for products with in-game purchases linked to elements of chance, such as paid loot boxes.

The new classifications are similar to those imposed on games that are violent, sexual or have adult-related content. Picture: iStock

In a joint statement, Commonwealth, State and Territory leaders – including South Australia – said they agreed the gaming crackdown to “better protect those in our community (who) are vulnerable to the harms from exposure to gambling-like mechanics”.

Australian Government research has found links between in-game purchases, loot boxes, simulated wagering and gambling harm.

Other studies found youngsters who played simulated gambling games were 40 per cent more likely to later spend real money on wagering.

Campaigners have warned the M rating will not protect children.

But Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, disagreed, saying the “real changes” will protect kids.

“We’re determined to intervene early to keep children safe,” she said.

“Australians can make better informed choices about what they – and those in their care – watch, read and play.”

A new task-force will now investigate other National Classification Scheme reforms to meet “evolving community standards and expectations”.

Authorities are concerned that wagering and other similar gaming may increase gambling addiction when older. Picture: iStock

During their Perth meeting, Attorneys-General debated lifting the age of criminal responsibility but were split on how to tackle the country’s youth justice laws.

A special working group investigating potential new laws presented their final report on what “services and supports (are) needed to support children diverted from the criminal justice system”.

A national decision, or what each jurisdiction will impose, is expected by year’s end.

SA Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Friday night said the state government will consider the report “before determining a position on the issue”.

“Any reform in this complex area of the criminal law needs to ensure the safety of the community, taking account of the circumstances and needs of victims, children, and other South Australians,” he said.

The legislated age is 10 across Australia.

SA is considering lifting the age to 14 but one option may increase it to 12 with special “carve out” offences for juveniles accused of serious crimes.

Friday’s meeting also debated the growing threat and benefits of facial recognition technology and biometrics.

“They agreed the risks associated with increased use of these technologies warrant a co-ordinated national response,” a final communique stated.

New legislation is likely next year.

They also endorsed national coercive control rules on controlling, manipulative or intimidating behaviour.