Rockstar Games has restricted access to gambling activities in GTA Online for players located in Australia following a recent patch. The limitation applies to the Diamond Casino & Resort and affects all wagering modes within the venue.
Technical Implementation and Regulatory Background
The update disables slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker, Inside Track horse racing, and the Lucky Wheel. Dataminer Tez2 identified a new Gambling_Restricted_Geographic parameter in the game files that filters access based on player location. The casino building itself remains open for exploration.The change aligns with recent regulatory shifts in Australia regarding online wagering. GTA Online transactions rely exclusively on virtual chips that cannot be exchanged for real currency. Player responses have focused on the contrast between unrestricted in-game combat and commerce alongside the new gambling limits.
Rockstar Games has not issued a statement regarding the update.
ACMA recently expanded enforcement actions against unlicensed digital gambling operators. Information provided by iGaming News.