Australian players of Grand Theft Auto Online are now unable to access the game's in-game gambling features, including popular mini-games like blackjack, roulette, and three card poker within the Diamond Casino.
Players who attempt to engage with these casino mechanics are reportedly encountering a "this feature is not available for you" notification. GTA Online dataminer Tex2 has identified code that explicitly details territory-based restrictions on several Diamond Casino features, including the Casino House, Three Card Poker, Inside Track, Lucky Wheel, Blackjack, Roulette, and Slots.
While GTA Online has always carried an R18+ classification in Australia, a requirement for games with simulated gambling, the restrictions now in place follow a period of increased scrutiny on online gambling harms by the Australian federal government. It is possible this move is a preemptive measure by Rockstar Games.
GTA Online's in-game currency, GTA$, can be purchased with real money via Shark Cash Cards and is used to acquire Casino Chips. Although winnings from the Diamond Casino cannot be converted back into real-world currency, the ability to purchase chips with real money has made the feature a point of contention.
Further contributing to the situation, GTA Online was recently re-classified for Xbox on July 22nd under the automated IARC rating system. The updated consumer advice for the game no longer includes "high impact gambling," a descriptor that would have been necessary if the Diamond Casino features remained accessible.
If these restrictions prove permanent, Australia will join a significant number of countries where GTA Online's simulated gambling is not available, a list that includes South Africa, Poland, China, and Argentina. This development also suggests that any potential simulated gambling features in GTA 6's online component may also be inaccessible to Australian players.