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Balatro was rated PEGI 18 in December 2024, prompting developer LocalThunk to criticize what they saw as inconsistent age ratings for games with gambling-related mechanics. That rating is no longer current: after a successful publisher appeal, PEGI changed Balatro to PEGI 12 in February 2025. PEGI’s current listing retains a “gambling themes” descriptor.
Why did PEGI initially rate Balatro 18?
In December 2024, PEGI’s concern, as reported at the time, was the game’s prominent poker imagery and the possibility that players could learn knowledge transferable to real-life poker. That is different from saying Balatro takes real-money wagers or sells randomized items: Game Developer reported that players do not place bets in the game and that it has no microtransactions. Game Developer’s December 17, 2024 report covered the initial classification and LocalThunk’s response.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Balatro Special Edition - Compatible for NS - UK PAL | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Hello Neighbor - Nintendo Switch | $19.22 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
What did Balatro’s developer say?
LocalThunk first responded sarcastically that adding microtransactions, loot boxes or real gambling might lower the game’s rating. The developer then clarified that the greater frustration was not Balatro’s own 18+ classification, but the perceived contrast with games rated for very young audiences despite including paid random-item mechanics:
“Just to clear it up–I’m way more irked at the 3+ for these games with actual gambling mechanics for children than I am about Balatro having an 18+ rating.”
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Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch
- 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.
LocalThunk specifically compared PEGI’s rating of Balatro with EA Sports FC 25, which the report said was rated PEGI 3 while disclosing that players could buy in-game currency used to obtain random card packs and other items. That was the developer’s criticism of consistency, not proof that the games have identical mechanics or effects. Balatro’s case concerned simulated poker and potentially transferable knowledge; the comparison concerned paid randomized in-game items.
Did PEGI change Balatro’s age rating?
Yes. On February 24, 2025, Game Developer reported that the PEGI Complaints Board changed Balatro’s rating to PEGI 12 after an appeal by publisher Sold Out Sales & Marketing. The board acknowledged that the game explains poker hands, but concluded that its fantastical roguelike deck-building elements mitigated the theme and that it had “no specific transferable gambling skills.” Read the report on the appeal outcome.
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PEGI also said at the time that it was reviewing how it treated simulated gambling. Its statement then was: “At this moment, any teaching or glamorisation of simulated gambling automatically leads to a PEGI 18 rating.” That was a statement reported in February 2025, not a complete description of PEGI’s current detailed criteria.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Balatro’s PEGI rating now?
PEGI’s official BALATRO listing, checked October 7, 2026, shows PEGI 12 and the content descriptor “gambling themes.” PEGI says the game’s fantastical elements diverge from traditional poker and that it does not glamorise or encourage real-life gambling or betting. Its consumer advice says the game is not suitable for children under 12.
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The listing names PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The rating change is therefore an appeal outcome, not a removal of the gambling-theme descriptor.
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