Balatro is a fun card-based video game that mixes poker hands with exciting challenges. It was made by a developer named LocalThunk and published by Playstack and Fireshine Games. Even though it looks like a gambling game, it doesn’t include real gambling.
You can play it on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC. This game became very popular when it launched in February 2024 and has already surprised many players around the world!
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Balatro |
| Developer | LocalThunk |
| Publisher | Playstack, Fireshine Games |
| Genre | Roguelike, Card Strategy |
| Game Mode | Single-player |
| Platform | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Initial Release | February 20, 2024 |
| Age Rating | PEGI 12 (Europe) |
| Price | Around $14.99 USD (may vary by store) |
| Multiplayer | No |
| In-Game Purchases | No |
| Online Play | No |
| Official Website | Playbalatro.com |
In this guide, we’ll explain what Balatro is all about, why its age rating was a big deal, and if it’s okay for kids to play.
What is the Age Rating for Balatro?
Balatro is now rated PEGI 12 in Europe.
At first, it had a PEGI 3 rating. But soon after launch, PEGI changed the rating to PEGI 18 because of gambling-like images in the game. The publishers of Balatro did not agree with this and asked for a review.
After the appeal, PEGI looked at the game again and agreed that even though it shows poker hands and card combinations, it doesn’t teach real gambling. There is no real money involved, and the game has many fantasy elements.
So, PEGI finally changed the rating to PEGI 12.
Why is Balatro Rated PEGI 12?
PEGI said that the game:
- Has some poker-style card hands, which might look like gambling.
- But it does not use real money or teach real gambling skills.
- It includes fantasy features that make it different from real gambling.
Because of this, PEGI said it was safe enough for players who are 12 years and older.
What About the ESRB Rating?
As of now, Balatro is not rated by ESRB in the United States. But based on its content, many people think it would likely be rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and up) or T (Teen) if rated. While Balatro – Friends of Jimbo is Rated E10+ (Everyone 10+) For Gambling Themes.
Is Balatro Safe for Kids? – Parents Guide
Balatro does not have:
| Content Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Violence | None |
| Language | None |
| Gambling | No real gambling, just poker-style cards |
| Scary Content | None |
| Nudity/Sex | None |
| Educational Value | High (strategy, planning, thinking) |
| In-Game Purchases | No |
| Online Interactions | No multiplayer chat or messages |
| Recommended Age | 12 and up |
- Real gambling
- Violence
- Bad language
- Scary scenes
It does have:
- Some images that look like poker games
- Fun challenges using card-building and strategy
- A focus on thinking and planning
So, it’s not harmful, but young kids might get confused by the poker-like images. That’s why PEGI gave it a 12+ rating.
Developer’s Thoughts
The creator of Balatro, LocalThunk, shared that he was sad about the 18+ rating at first. He felt it was unfair. But he was happy when the rating changed to 12+. He said this will help other game developers in the future too.
Should You Let Your Child Play Balatro?
If your child is 12 or older, Balatro is safe. It’s a smart game that teaches planning and strategy. There’s no real gambling, and the card images are just part of the game fun.
But if your child is younger than 12, it’s better to wait — or play together so you can explain things.
Why Was the Rating Change Important?
This rating change is a big deal because it shows that game boards like PEGI are starting to understand games better. Not all games that look like gambling are bad. PEGI now plans to make better rules for rating games that use fantasy gambling or card play.
FAQs
Q: Does Balatro involve real gambling?
A: No. It uses poker card hands for gameplay but has no real money or gambling.
Q: Why did Balatro get a PEGI 12 rating?
A: Because it includes poker-style images, but it has no real gambling, violence, or harmful content.
Q: Is Balatro safe for kids?
A: Yes, for kids 12 and up. There is no adult or violent content.
Q: What do parents need to know?
A: The game uses card hands like poker, but it is purely a thinking and strategy game.
Q: On which platforms is Balatro available?
A: It is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
