The Outback: Simulated Gambling in Australia

Simulated gambling is taking many states and locales by storm, with major game-makers releasing gambling-themed games for their systems. Although these games are especially exciting to play because of the simulated risk inherent in their design, it is important for parents to be aware of some of the risks to their child's development.

To this end, the Australian government passed the Gambling Reform Act of 2013 to encourage responsibility pertaining to simulated gambling by children playing games online.

South Australia's Policy on Children and Technology

This new edict falls under the South Australian government’s Children, Technology and Gambling policy. It aims to police the slew of new games now easily accessible through social network sites like Facebook and others. Far from banning such games, this measure functions as a watchdog group. Both professional and public oversight helps policymakers assess games and applications with a strong simulated gambling presence, ensuring underage children aren’t introduced too early via superficially innocuous games.

The Classification Council of South Australia publishes these flagged games with recommendations in a public forum.

Wide-Ranging Effects of the Reform

The effects of the Bill are wide-ranging and represent an overhaul of previous practices. For example, the presence of simulated gambling in a game is a significant factor in the Classification Council’s rating decisions.

There is now double oversight: by State or Territory authorities, as well as at the national level.

The South Australian government acknowledges the high demand for simulated gambling games. The new legislation prevents children—who would not be allowed in land-based casinos—from stumbling onto these addictive games.

Strict Rating Requirements

Ratings such as MA15+ and R18+ place the onus on manufacturers and producers to implement warnings restricting young users from purchasing such games:

The rules specify that all relevant games with simulated gambling concepts be labeled for audiences 18 or older.
They specify that simulated gambling never entails real-money prizes or cash, and playing the games will not make any player better at real-life gambling.
They require an easily accessible disclaimer advising teens and parents on making good choices online and responsible gaming.

Alignment with Global Standards

The principles espoused by the South Australian government represent the bare minimum, as outlined in the Best Practice Principles pamphlet by the International Social Games Association.

Overall, Australia recognizes the growing abundance of simulated gambling games and their attractiveness, but also the need to restrict children's access to them.