In December 2024, Balatro developer LocalThunk mocked the game’s then-reported PEGI 18+ rating by joking that adding microtransactions, loot boxes or real gambling might earn it a lower rating. PEGI’s current public listing now rates Balatro PEGI 12, with a gambling-themes descriptor. The two ratings refer to different points in time.
What LocalThunk said in December 2024
Balatro is a poker-inspired deck-building game developed by LocalThunk. Steam lists its release date as February 20, 2024. Contemporary reports in December described the developer reacting on social media to the game’s 18+ PEGI classification.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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dV Giochi Bang | $39.10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dutch Blitz Card Game - Original Fast Paced Family Game with 160 Cards | $9.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Grandpa Beck's Games Skull King Trick-Taking Card Game | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
PC Gamer reproduced the post as: “Since PEGI gave us an 18+ rating for having evil playing cards, maybe I should add microtransactions/loot boxes/real gambling to lower that rating to 3+ like EA sports FC.” The joke contrasted Balatro’s simulated card-game theme with mechanics LocalThunk associated with other games. PC Gamer also reported that his sharper frustration was about those games receiving lower ratings, rather than simply about Balatro’s own adult classification. PC Gamer’s December 16, 2024 report and Game Developer’s December 17, 2024 report covered the reaction.
The quoted wording is reported by PC Gamer; it should be understood as contemporary coverage of the post, not as a separately verified statement from the original account. The comparison was a sarcastic criticism, not evidence that PEGI had formally ruled that those mechanics would produce a particular rating.
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#1 Best Overall
- WILD WEST SHOWDOWN: Experience a tense hidden-role battle as Outlaws target the Sheriff, the Sheriff fights for justice, and the Renegade maneuvers between both sides, creating fast, high-stakes decisions every round.
- UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS: Face sudden twists from High Noon effects that disrupt plans, force gunmen to improvise, and introduce shifting dangers that keep every game suspenseful, dynamic, and highly replayable.
- NEW CHARACTERS & ABILITIES: Explore Dodge City additions that introduce fresh gunmen, unique powers, and tactical interactions, expanding strategic depth and offering new ways to outplay opponents.
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What PEGI currently lists
PEGI’s public record currently lists Balatro at PEGI 12 and identifies gambling themes. Its explanation says the game’s fantastical elements diverge from traditional poker gameplay as it progresses, mitigating those themes without glamorising or encouraging real-life gambling or betting. That is PEGI’s stated rationale for its listing, rather than a claim about every player’s experience. PEGI’s Balatro listing was checked on October 7, 2026.
So the answer to why a game without real-money gambling could receive an adult rating at the time is that simulated gambling themes were part of the classification discussion. But the current PEGI record is not 18+: it is 12. The available listing establishes the current classification, not the exact date or decision process by which it changed.
Rank #2
- Fast-paced gameplay you love: Experience exciting competition as you speed to clear your Blitz pile. No turns taken; first to place cards in sequence wins!
- Perfect for family gatherings: Designed for 2 to 4 players, this game ensures fun-filled family nights and keeps both kids and adults entertained for hours.
- Easy rules for all ages: Simple yet challenging, Dutch Blitz offers effortless learning and engaging gameplay for children, teens, and adults, ages 8 and up.
- 160 colorful cards included: Enjoy endless fun with four decks of vibrant playing cards that enhance your gaming experience with their cheerful color scheme.
- Boosts strategic thinking: Dutch Blitz sharpens reflexes and strategy skills as you aim to outpace opponents in this unique and dynamic card-playing adventure.
How to read the rating timeline
| Date or record | What it establishes |
|---|---|
| February 20, 2024 | Steam lists Balatro’s release date; Nintendo UK gives the same date for its Switch download software. |
| December 2024 | Contemporary coverage reports LocalThunk’s reaction to the then-18+ PEGI classification. |
| PEGI listing checked October 7, 2026 | PEGI’s public record lists the game at PEGI 12 with gambling themes and explains its rationale. |
Store pages and rating records should be read in context: a storefront entry describes a particular product and market, while PEGI’s own record is the relevant source for the current PEGI classification. Nintendo UK, for example, lists the Switch release as download software and shows PEGI 12. Nintendo UK’s Balatro listing does not establish a universal age rating for every country, platform or date.
Steam lists Balatro’s developer, description and February 20, 2024 release date on its Balatro store page. Neither that release date nor a storefront’s rating should be mistaken for the date when PEGI’s classification changed.
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Rank #4
- 150 Jokers, each with their own unique abilities.
- 15 Decks with distinct modifiers to choose from for each run.
- 5 potential variants of each Joker which add further abilities.
- 22 Tarot cards variants that can enhance your regular playing cards.
- 11 Planet cards that help level up your possible poker hands.
Rank #3
- FUN FOR 2–8 PLAYERS: Designed for ages 8+ with a 30–45 minute playtime that’s ideal for families, teens, adults, and larger groups.
- BID YOUR TRICKS, PLAY YOUR CARDS: This trick-taking favorite challenges you to predict your wins each round, then use strategic card play, powerful characters, and perfect timing to hit your bid.
- QUICK TO LEARN, FUN TO MASTER: Straightforward rules welcome new players, while pirates, mermaids, and surprising twists keep experienced players coming back.
- MADE FOR PLAYING TOGETHER: Bring it to family game nights, parties, holidays, vacations, camping trips, and gatherings with friends.
- FAMILY FUN FROM GRANDPA BECK’S GAMES: Nearly 4 million games sold worldwide! Discover thoughtfully designed card games that bring families and friends together.
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