PEGI, the European video game rating board, has awarded the popular game Balatro an 18+ rating. The decision is baffling to gamers because Balatro is a deck-building roguelike without any real gambling.
The rating board justified its decision, claiming that Balatro introduces players to poker hands and their values, which could relate to real-life gambling. However, this explanation hasn’t sat well with the gaming community, who point out that the game doesn’t involve any actual betting or use of real money.
Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating for having evil playing cards maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ like EA sports FC
— localthunk (@LocalThunk) December 15, 2024
The situation has got people talking about the consistency of game rating systems. Many are quick to note that games featuring loot boxes—which have been linked to gambling-like behavior—often receive much lower age ratings. For example, FIFA games, which include purchasable loot boxes, are rated PEGI 3, meaning they’re considered suitable for all ages.
This discrepancy has led to questions about whether current rating systems are equipped to deal with modern gaming mechanics. Some argue that loot boxes and microtransactions pose a far greater risk of encouraging gambling addiction, especially among younger players.
The Balatro rating has also renewed discussions about the need for updated regulations in the digital gaming space. As new monetization methods emerge, existing guidelines may struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industry.
For Balatro’s developers, the 18+ rating could potentially impact sales and visibility. Many digital stores use age ratings for parental controls, and some regions have strict laws governing game content based on these ratings.
