Gambling Laws Bar GTA Online Casino in Nearly 50 Nations

26.07.2019, 16:27

Just two days after the launch of online casino in GTA Online, Rockstar has begun experiencing backlash. Strict local laws seem to bar gamers from taking part in over 50 nations.

It was only on Wednesday that the casino update went live. Some players who went for the new experience realized that they had no permission. While attempting to purchase the gambling chips, they were instantly met with the “have no permissions” notifications. Without a chip, it’s impossible to participate in a virtual casino for the GTA gamers.

The in-game Diamond Casino location receives real money in exchange for in-game cash. Rockstar Games, which has developed the gaming update, is aware that the transaction in the act has close semblance with online gambling.

Some Reddit users registered their disappointment online. They cited being blocked from buying chips after making their ways into the casino.

One user reported that after his attempt failed, he contacted the support team to sort out the issue. To his dismay, he got an instant response indicating that he’s barred from the purchase because of his region. The user went further. His effort to buy the High Roller penthouse was equally futile. In this case, as it was locked without any reason.

Countries Banned from GTA Online Gambling

In a desperate effort to find out the progress of the game globally, some gamers have now listed 54 countries that cannot enjoy the gambling feature at Diamond Casinos. Notable countries that cannot access the new experience include South Korea, Argentina, Poland, and Cyprus.

International gamers have been forced to modify their VPNs to taste the feeling of the unique experience. However, that action can get them into legal trouble. And not just with their respective nation’s legal systems, but Rockstar as well.

Interesting questions have emerged about blocking access to virtual casinos. This lack of access has gone on despite claims that loot boxes should be legally present in nations that were barred. In Argentina, for instance, it’s difficult to see the reason for it. The country has both free loot boxes mechanics and micro-transactions.

Elsewhere in the world, governments have begun to put a lot of emphasis on the issue. Specifically, on how the gaming industry transacts online money activities. It’s just a year since the Netherlands started restricting the use of loot boxes. Many countries are following that example, especially after one study claimed that loot boxes lead to gambling.

The UK hasn’t been left behind. For instance, the relevant Parliament committee recently conducted a hearing about the in-game purchases. As a result, however, one UK MP concluded that loot boxes are not gambling.