The UK vs Australia: Who handles online gaming more effectively?
Both Australia and the UK have vibrant and growing online gaming communities. These two nations are home to passionate players and evolving regulatory environments that shape the way games and platforms operate. While there are some similarities, key differences in regulation, oversight and approach are worth exploring. Here is a closer look at how online gaming is handled in both countries – and which may offer a more balanced environment for players and developers alike.
Gaming laws in the UK vs Australia
One major distinction between Australia and the UK lies in the accessibility and regulation of online gaming platforms. In Australia, online game content – particularly titles with microtransactions and monetisation feature, such as online pokies in Brisbane – is increasingly subject to scrutiny under the classification system. The Australian Classification Board applies stricter ratings to games that contain features such as loot boxes, meaning some titles may have restricted availability or higher age classifications.
In contrast, the UK has traditionally taken a lighter-touch approach, treating online video games as entertainment rather than tightly regulating them. While consumer protection laws apply, the UK has been more permissive overall, encouraging a thriving market for both global and domestic developers and publishers.
Regulatory bodies and effectiveness
The UK’s approach is relatively centralised, with oversight falling under bodies like the Video Standards Council (VSC) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), alongside compliance with PEGI ratings. These frameworks ensure age ratings, advertising, and in-game purchases are monitored, while enabling a strong marketplace.
Australia’s regulatory environment is more fragmented. While the Classification Board provides ratings, enforcement and policy on online gaming content varies at the state level. This decentralisation can result in inconsistencies – some states applying tighter rules or restrictions on monetisation mechanics, while others are less stringent.
Player protection and responsible gaming
In the UK, there is increasing focus on protecting younger players from excessive spending and overexposure to in-game purchases. Age ratings, parental controls and spending limits are encouraged on many platforms, although they are not universally mandated. New policy discussions are underway to strengthen these protections further.
Australia has taken proactive steps as well, with classification rules requiring clearer age ratings for games featuring advanced monetisation systems. There is growing debate around introducing stricter guidelines for how spending is presented in games and improving parental oversight tools to support healthier gaming habits.
Advertising restrictions and market oversight
Advertising rules for online gaming differ notably. In the UK, promotional content is regulated by the ASA to ensure that adverts are not misleading or inappropriately targeted. However, areas such as in-game advertising, influencer campaigns and branded content, including directories like PokiesPros, remain relatively lightly regulated compared to other sectors.
Australia takes a careful approach to advertising standards for online gaming but, as with other regulations, oversight can vary significantly by state, leading to differing interpretations of national guidelines.
Social and economic impact of online gaming
Both countries benefit economically from a strong online gaming industry, supporting jobs, studios and creative talent. The UK has developed a large indie game development scene and attracts international publishers, contributing significantly to GDP and export figures. The government has largely embraced online gaming as part of the creative industries.
In Australia, the sector is smaller but growing, with the introduction of tax offsets and funding schemes to stimulate local game development. However, concerns remain about online gaming’s social impact – particularly around monetisation practices and screen time among younger audiences.
Lessons and opportunities
The UK could look to Australia’s stricter classification policies as a model for protecting young players, particularly regarding microtransactions and loot boxes. Applying clearer age restrictions and disclosures could help ensure that players are better informed.
Conversely, Australia might benefit from adopting the UK’s more centralised regulatory approach. A unified national framework would reduce inconsistencies and provide clarity for developers and platforms operating across Australian states and territories.
The editorial unit
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS