PEGI Reviews Classification Criteria Following Successful Balatro Appeal

Following the successful appeal against Balatro's PEGI 18 rating, along with a similar case, the pan-European PEGI system is reviewing its classification criteria. In Germany, the USK had already assigned Balatro a 12+ rating with a content descriptor in 2024.

Two successful appeals have prompted PEGI to reassess its criteria regarding gambling mechanics in games, which currently trigger an automatic PEGI 18 rating. Both Sold Out Sales & Marketing (Balatro), today operating as Fireshine Games, and Fangamer (Luck Be a Landlord) challenged this classification.

"The Complaints Board concluded that, although the game explains various poker hands, the roguelike deck-building game contained mitigating fantastical elements that warranted a PEGI 12 rating," states a PEGI press release. For the same reason, the board also ruled that Luck Be a Landlord should be downgraded to PEGI 12. As a result, PEGI is now reviewing its criteria for gambling mechanics. A group of experts will develop a set of more granular classification criterias.

This decision does not affect Germany, where game age ratings are determined by the Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK). In April 2024, Balatro was already approved by the USK for ages 12 and up, with a content descriptor indicating its gambling theme. Since early 2023, the USK has used this dual-labeling approach—an age rating alongside specific descriptors for potentially problematic content or features. This system stems from the latest amendment to the German Youth Protection Act in May 2021.