Balatro Dev Wins PEGI 18 Appeal for Simulated Gambling Game

In a recent development, the popular card game Balatro has successfully appealed its age rating in Europe. Originally rated PEGI 18 due to alleged gambling imagery, the game has now been reclassified to PEGI 12. The PEGI board recognized that the game, which explains poker hands, contains "mitigating fantastical elements" that make it appropriate for a younger audience. This change not only increases Balatro's visibility on digital storefronts but also prompts PEGI to reconsider its approach to ratings for games featuring simulated gambling.

The age rating for Balatro has been reduced from PEGI 18 to PEGI 12 following a successful appeal due to its non-gambling content.

Balatro is a roguelike deck-building game that incorporates elements of poker strategy without involving actual gambling mechanics. The game's success has highlighted the need for clarity in how ratings are assigned, especially regarding simulated gambling in video games. Its original heavy rating hindered visibility but this new classification should help reach a broader audience.