Australian GTA Online Players Lose Access to Diamond Casino Gambling
Grand Theft Auto Online players in Australia have recently discovered they are no longer able to engage in any of the in-game gambling activities offered at the opulent Diamond Casino & Resort. This sudden restriction by Rockstar Games has left many players down under unable to enjoy popular minigames such as blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and three-card poker.
The block extends even to the coveted Lucky Wheel, a daily free spin that offers various in-game rewards like cash, clothing, and even vehicles, which players typically do not associate with traditional gambling. Attempts to access these features now result in a notification stating the content is unavailable in their region.
The Regulatory Landscape Down Under
While Rockstar Games has yet to issue an official statement, the move is widely believed to be a preemptive response to Australia’s evolving and increasingly stringent online gambling regulations. This comes despite the Diamond Casino’s activities operating solely with in-game currency, chips that cannot be directly converted into real-world money. Players can, however, purchase these chips with real money via Shark Cash Cards, a point of contention in the broader discussion around video game monetization and simulated gambling.
Dataminer Tez2 reportedly uncovered a specific code change, labeled ‘Gambling_Restricted_Geographic,’ indicating a deliberate, region-based limitation. Australia now joins a growing list of over 30 countries, including China and Greece, where access to parts of GTA Online’s casino content is restricted. Curiously, Grand Theft Auto V, and by extension GTA Online, already holds an R18+ classification in Australia, a rating typically deemed sufficient for games featuring simulated gambling.
Broader Implications for Rockstar Titles
The impact of these restrictions isn’t limited to Los Santos. Reports indicate that Australian players have also lost access to poker games within Red Dead Online, another popular title from Rockstar Games. This broader application suggests a consistent approach by the developer in response to regional gambling laws.
The player community has expressed significant frustration, particularly given that these casino features have been available to Australian players for several years since the Diamond Casino & Resort update in July 2019. The sudden removal of long-standing content raises questions about the future of in-game gambling mechanics in upcoming titles, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. Should GTA VI’s inevitable online component feature similar casino elements, Australian players may face similar restrictions from day one.
Visuals and original reporting belong to Rock Paper Shotgun.
Original source: Rock Paper Shotgun. All rights to the original reporting and visuals belong to that source.