Apple rates simulated gambling apps 17+ in all countries

Apple is changing how some apps are presented in the App Store, with a message to developers warning simulated gambling apps are now rated 17+ in all countries, while enabling some apps with mature content to be available to users in the Republic of Korea aged 19 or over.

“To ensure that our global age rating system continues to help make the App Store safe for kids, apps that feature Frequent/Intense Simulated Gambling will be rated 17+ in all countries and regions starting August 20, 2019,” Apple said in a news release Monday.

The change affects many different apps that offer a gambling experience without real-money wagers, such as poker games and slot machine apps that use a virtual currency. Apple claims it has "worked with the government of the Republic of Korea" to make more App Store apps available in the market, "in an effort to open up additional opportunities for developers."

The new policy involves apps in the Casino subcategory with age rating 17+, and apps in the Games or Entertainment categories with Frequent/Intense selected for at least one of the following content descriptions: simulated gambling, sexual content or nudity, alcohol, tobacco, or drug use or reference, and realistic violence.

If the app meets at least one of those criteria, it can be offered on the App Store in the Republic of Korea to users 19 years of age or older. With that aim, developers need to enter a Rating Classification Number from the Game Rating and Administration Committee in App Store Connect, and can do so starting August 20.