PEGI, the European game rating board, has made a significant U-turn on its classification of two popular card-based games. Balatro and Luck Be A Landlord have seen their age ratings drop from PEGI 18 to PEGI 12, following a reassessment of what constitutes gambling in video games.
This change comes as part of PEGI’s efforts to refine its guidelines on gambling simulation in games. Initially, both titles were slapped with the highest age rating due to their perceived gambling elements. However, upon closer inspection, PEGI realized these games don’t actually promote or teach gambling behaviors.
After an appeal from my publisher, Balatro has been reclassified by PEGI from 18+ to 12+
— localthunk (@LocalThunk) February 24, 2025
This is a good step from PEGI – bringing nuance to their ratings criteria that used to be 18+ or nothing. I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished
Balatro, a game that uses poker mechanics for strategic gameplay, and Luck Be A Landlord, a quirky slot machine simulator, both lack real-money transactions or glorification of gambling. This realization prompted PEGI to take a more nuanced approach to its classification system.
The reclassification shows the ongoing challenges rating boards face in evaluating modern games. With the rise of loot boxes, gacha mechanics, and other chance-based systems in video games, the line between harmless fun and potentially harmful gambling simulations has become increasingly unclear.
This decision by PEGI is part of a broader conversation about consumer protection in gaming. Since 2021, there’s been increased scrutiny on games that incorporate gambling-like mechanics, sparked in part by negative reactions against titles like NBA 2K for their explicit gambling features.
However, the reclassification of Balatro and Luck Be A Landlord has also drawn attention to a perceived double standard in the industry. Many gamers and critics point out that while these indie titles with superficial gambling themes have been scrutinized, many AAA games with more explicit gambling mechanics often receive more lenient treatment.
