GTA Online Players in Australia Lose Access to In-Game Gambling

Grand Theft Auto Online players in Australia are no longer able to gamble in the game's Diamond Casino, after Rockstar Games appears to have blocked access in the wake of the Australian government's crackdown on online gambling.

Players in Australia have been prohibited from gambling in Grand Theft Auto Online's Diamond Casino. This decision follows Rockstar Games' action to restrict access due to the Australian government's measures against online gambling. Initially added in 2019 as part of the Diamond Casino heist update, players can no longer enjoy games like three card poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots. Despite the use of in-game casino chips rather than real money, players are unable to engage in these activities. While the chips can be purchased with real money through microtransactions, they cannot be converted into actual currency. Even the Lucky Wheel feature, which offers free rewards such as cars and clothing, is inaccessible. Tex2, a well-known GTA leaker, verified the change, indicating that the game's code was modified to prevent gambling in Australia.

Similar restrictions have been imposed in various countries, including Argentina, Poland, Greece, and Israel, since the introduction of the Diamond Casino in 2019. Australian players have expressed disappointment over the sudden removal of a feature they have enjoyed for over six years. The ban has sparked criticism, with users on platforms like Reddit and GTA Forums questioning the government's decision. Some users highlighted the inconsistency of allowing games with loot boxes and pay-to-win systems while prohibiting fake-money gambling. The development also raises concerns about the potential inclusion of in-game gambling in GTA 6's online multiplayer mode, as it could face similar restrictions in Australia and other nations.