Photo by Sebianoti on DevianArt, CC by-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
GTA blocks online casino gaming
GTA Online dataminer Tex2, who has the X (Twitter) profile @TexFunz2, posted a string of code that confirmed that Rockstar Games had blocked Australian customers from playing online casino games inside the server.
Diamond Casino allowed users to play blackjack, slot machines, poker, and roulette. It also had an Inside Track horse racing mode and a free-to-spin lucky wheel.
In-game missions involving the casino but that do not involve gambling are still available for players.
Australia has specific gambling-adjacent rules. Games with simulated gambling must be classified as R18+, meaning they cannot be legally bought, rented, or accessed by individuals who are not at least 18 years old.
However, GTA Online has always been classified as R18+.
GTA Online also does not allow customers to purchase or withdraw cash for funds used in-game at Diamond Casino. Players can wager Casino Chips with fictional GTA$, which is earned in-game, or by purchasing Shark Cash Cards with real money. No matter how GTA$ is accumulated, it cannot be withdrawn for real-world money.
Rockstar’s terms of service also do not allow players to gamble for real money or items in GTA Online.
Why was Diamond Casino restricted?
The GTA franchise — which gamifies a life of crime, drug sale and use, prostitution, and violence — has long been controversial. The first game was released in Nov. 1997, and the latest release of GTA V occurred in Sept. 2013.
While Australia has strict rules regarding gambling activities and depictions, GTA Online’s Diamond Casino does not appear to violate any national laws, making the reason for its sudden block unclear.
One possibility is that GTA Online’s XBOX IARC reclassification last week. The automated system did not label the game as “high impact gambling,” which would be required for Diamond Casino.
Another relates to Australia’s ongoing efforts to reform its gambling industry. The federal government introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026 on July 2 with an in-effect date of Jan. 1, 2027.
The bill details new rules for advertisements across radio, television, and online platforms, adding additional consumer protections, and new enforcement procedures against illegal operators.
Related News
BGC puts betting shop workers at centre of campaign against tax rise
The BGC's new campaign profiles betting shop workers as it warns that higher machine duty could accelerate closures and job losses.
Casino Secrets leak exposes gaps behind Curaçao casino licences
Leaked licensing files raise questions about who controls offshore casinos and what a Curaçao licence means for British players.
New Zealand Reveals What Online Casinos Must Provide to Secure a Licence
New Zealand has provided further details of what successful auction bidders will need to demonstrate when applying for one of the country's first online casino licences.
Alberta Gives $2.4M in iGaming Funds for Gambling Treatment
Brick House Recovery Centre receives $2.4 million, the first payout from Alberta's iGaming social responsibility program, to expand gambling addiction care.
.jpg)
Bookmakers cut Manchester City relegation odds after reported ruling
Bookmakers have cut Manchester City’s relegation odds and suspended some markets following reports of a ruling in the club’s financial case.
Ken Howell’s Sports Betting online licence suspended over AML failings
The Gambling Commission has suspended Targetlocal’s online licence over AML failings, but customers can still access accounts and withdraw funds.
French betting operator fined after asset-freezing alert was missed
A French operator and two executives face fines after a player subject to an asset freeze was allowed to open an account.
Sphere Coming to National Harbor: $1B Plan Sparks Debate
Prince George's County plans a $1B, 6,000-seat Sphere at National Harbor, promising thousands of jobs as residents raise traffic concerns.
Tim Miller launches consultancy focused on illegal gambling
The former Gambling Commission executive says regulation should protect consumers while keeping licensed gambling appealing.
.jpg)
Rank faces greatest risk from potential MGD rise, Deutsche Bank says
Deutsche Bank estimates a potential Machine Gaming Duty increase could cost Rank around £35m a year, even after measures to soften its impact.
Four arrested as Manchester gambling raids uncover £20,000
Four people have been arrested after police seized cash, gambling tables and records during raids on four Manchester city centre properties.
Trump-Linked Executive Embezzled $5 Million for Casino Trips
According to its material, Utley won $26 million while gambling on slot machines, but risked approximately $29 million for a net $3 million loss.
Kansas City Adding Hotel to Hollywood Casino Near Speedway
Hollywood Casino paid over $18 million in fines over the past 11 years because the hotel was never created, according to Wyandotte County.
Barry Diller, People Withdraw $18bn BetMGM Takeover Bid
MGM Resorts confirmed on Wednesday that the bid had been withdrawn, leaving the hotel-casino enterprise as a “standalone company.”
Aussie High Roller Wins Right to Pursue Royal Caribbean Over A$22,000 Casino Cruises
Australian casino player Mark Timothy Grant can continue his QCAT case against Royal Caribbean after five complimentary Casino Royale cruises worth A$22,040 were cancelled.
.jpg)
Betfred founder warns tax rise could wipe out betting shops by 2030
Fred Done warns a Machine Games Duty rise could force Betfred to close 495 shops and put the future of Britain’s retail betting sector at risk.
Malta sets out voluntary AI safeguards for licensed gambling operators
Malta’s new voluntary AI Gaming Charter asks gambling operators to map their AI systems, protect player rights and retain human oversight.
Fancy Dance Casino in Oklahoma Undergoing Expansion and Renovation
This is part of a 10,000-square-foot entertainment facility that includes a wide selection of slot machines, dining and drink options, and a Player’s Club.
NFL Taking Patient Approach to Prediction Market Partnerships
The NFL is continuing talks with prediction markets but wants stronger protections before considering partnerships.
Genius Sports Launches Prediction.com to Compare Prediction Markets
Genius Sports has launched Prediction.com to help users discover and compare event contracts across prediction market platforms.
NFL Sets Sportsbook Ad Restrictions, Bans Prediction Market Advertising
The NFL has outlined new advertising restrictions for sportsbook partners and prediction market platforms.
Online growth pushes British gambling yield to £17.5bn
Gambling revenue rose during 2025-26 despite another reduction in the number of licensed operators, betting shops and other physical premises.
Entain urges immediate ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships
Entain says 11 Premier League clubs have arrangements with unlicensed gambling operators and has called for a proposed ban to be accelerated.
Pennsylvania iGaming Grows 6.3% Even as Overall Gambling Declines
Despite that, overall gaming revenue from iGaming, retail casinos, sports betting, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals fell 2.2% to $569.7 million.
New Jersey iGaming Continues to Grow, Up 4.4% Year-Over-Year in August
The state’s $259.3 million in iGaming revenue marked yet another improvement on the 2025 standard as the state continues to expand its market.
Tech Race Summit Draws 1,500 iGaming and Technology Professionals
The sold-out Warsaw event brought iGaming and global technology specialists together to examine AI, security and infrastructure challenges.
Former Conservative officials admit cheating over election date bets
Anthony and Laura Lee used confidential information about the 2024 General Election date to place bets before Rishi Sunak’s announcement.
ASA bans Midnite TikTok ad featuring young-looking AI gambler
Midnite said the advertisement was created by an affiliate without approval, while White Hat Gaming avoided a ban in a separate esports case.
Lords call for near-total ban on gambling advertising across Britain
A House of Lords committee says voluntary controls have failed to reduce gambling advertising exposure and protect vulnerable consumers.
Casino Whistleblower Sues Resorts World Over Wrongful Termination
He claimed that Resorts World Las Vegas wrongfully terminated him and violated the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 by retaliating against whistleblowing.
Gambling information alone does not guarantee informed decisions, study finds
Gambling Commission research suggests players need clearer information and different forms of support depending on how and where they gamble.
Entain warns gaming machine tax rise could add £100m to annual costs
Entain has warned that a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty could add £100 million to its yearly retail costs and cause widespread shop closures.
U.S. Congress Closer to Reinstating 100% Gambling Tax Deduction
This would mean that individuals could no longer pay more money in taxes than they won, as was possible under Trump’s setup.