The classification of gambling in video games is facing renewed debate, particularly as titles like the deck-builder Luck Be A Landlord and the roguelike Balatro have been assigned high age ratings by app stores and ratings boards. These games are single-purchase titles with no in-game microtransactions, and their association with gambling stems primarily from their use of casino-inspired aesthetics, such as slot machines and poker hands, respectively.
This strict rating of games that only borrow visual elements contrasts with the less rigorous oversight applied to mechanics that more directly mirror gambling. Loot boxes and gacha games, which frequently incorporate exploitative monetization strategies, often navigate ratings systems with fewer obstacles. This discrepancy raises questions about the definition of gambling within the context of interactive entertainment and how these mechanics are evaluated by regulatory bodies in 2025.