Grand Theft Auto Online players in Australia can no longer access the game's Diamond Casino and its associated gambling activities. This change, which began appearing on Reddit and was later confirmed by game leakers, seems to be a response to the Australian government's increasing focus on online gambling regulation. The restrictions mean Australian players are barred from participating in casino games such as three-card poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots, which were introduced in 2019 as part of the Diamond Casino Heist update.
Despite these games utilizing in-game currency and not real money, players report being unable to access them. While it is possible to purchase the virtual casino chips with real money through microtransactions, these chips cannot be converted back into real-world currency. The restrictions even extend to the Lucky Wheel, a feature that grants free rewards like vehicles and clothing, and does not involve chips or gambling.
Sources indicate that the game's code has been updated to enforce these geographical restrictions. This is not the first time gambling features in Grand Theft Auto Online have faced limitations; upon the Diamond Casino's release, many countries, including Argentina, Poland, Greece, and Israel, already had these features restricted. For Australian players, the sudden removal of a feature they have been able to use for years has caused frustration.
Community reaction has been largely negative, with some players expressing dismay on Reddit and GTA Forums. Critics have pointed to a perceived hypocrisy in the Australian government's stance, allowing other forms of in-game monetization like loot boxes and pay-to-win systems while prohibiting virtual currency gambling. The ban on in-game casino access also raises questions about future content, potentially impacting any gambling mechanics that might be included in Grand Theft Auto 6's online modes.