Mario Kart Tour, Nintendo’s popular mobile racing game, has seen its age rating upped to 18+ in Brazil, reflecting the South American country's intensifying scrutiny of games containing in-game monetization features like loot boxes.
The change, enacted by Brazilian authorities in March 2026, is part of a broader movement among global regulators to address concerns over gambling-like mechanics in titles frequently marketed toward younger audiences. Mario Kart Tour, developed by Nintendo and launched worldwide in September 2019 for iOS and Android platforms, has been a notable success for the company’s mobile strategy, amassing millions of downloads and introducing classic Mario Kart gameplay to smartphones.
However, the game’s implementation of randomized item rewards—commonly known as loot boxes—has spurred ongoing controversy in several regions, with government agencies evaluating how these systems intersect with existing gambling laws. Recently, Brazil’s government published an updated classification for Mario Kart Tour, raising its minimum age requirement to 18+.
Citing a commitment to better protect children from exposure to gambling-like systems, regulatory bodies have stated that any apps featuring chance-based monetization mechanics would now require a higher age rating.
In an official statement, the Brazilian authorities explained, 'Our guidelines mandate that any digital entertainment products which include elements characterized as virtual gambling, such as loot boxes, must carry an 18+ classification irrespective of their broader target audience.' The move places Brazil among a growing list of nations tightening regulations on loot boxes.
Notably, Mario Kart Tour was previously banned in Belgium, where all games offering paid random reward mechanisms are prohibited under anti-gambling legislation.
Other markets, including the Netherlands and select EU territories, have also examined stricter regulation of loot box systems in games accessible to minors. Nintendo, widely regarded for its family-friendly branding and content, has historically maintained that the use of gacha mechanics—where players use in-game currency for randomized rewards—does not constitute illegal gambling.
Despite this stance, Nintendo discontinued the ability to purchase Rubies (the in-game premium currency) and introduced new player-friendly features in some territories in response to regulatory developments. Mario Kart Tour’s updated rating on Brazil’s certification platforms signifies a significant step in the ongoing international debate over in-game monetization and consumer protection.
As more countries evaluate their stance on loot boxes and similar features, developers and publishers are being compelled to adapt their mobile offerings or risk stricter classification and platform restrictions.
For the moment, Mario Kart Tour remains available in Brazil on the App Store and Google Play, accessible only to users who meet the new age requirement. With this development, the long-running Mario Kart franchise continues to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape, balancing player engagement with compliance in an increasingly scrutinized industry.
The change, enacted by Brazilian authorities in March 2026, is part of a broader movement among global regulators to address concerns over gambling-like mechanics in titles frequently marketed toward younger audiences. Mario Kart Tour, developed by Nintendo and launched worldwide in September 2019 for iOS and Android platforms, has been a notable success for the company’s mobile strategy, amassing millions of downloads and introducing classic Mario Kart gameplay to smartphones.
However, the game’s implementation of randomized item rewards—commonly known as loot boxes—has spurred ongoing controversy in several regions, with government agencies evaluating how these systems intersect with existing gambling laws. Recently, Brazil’s government published an updated classification for Mario Kart Tour, raising its minimum age requirement to 18+.
Citing a commitment to better protect children from exposure to gambling-like systems, regulatory bodies have stated that any apps featuring chance-based monetization mechanics would now require a higher age rating.
In an official statement, the Brazilian authorities explained, 'Our guidelines mandate that any digital entertainment products which include elements characterized as virtual gambling, such as loot boxes, must carry an 18+ classification irrespective of their broader target audience.' The move places Brazil among a growing list of nations tightening regulations on loot boxes.
Notably, Mario Kart Tour was previously banned in Belgium, where all games offering paid random reward mechanisms are prohibited under anti-gambling legislation.
Other markets, including the Netherlands and select EU territories, have also examined stricter regulation of loot box systems in games accessible to minors. Nintendo, widely regarded for its family-friendly branding and content, has historically maintained that the use of gacha mechanics—where players use in-game currency for randomized rewards—does not constitute illegal gambling.
Despite this stance, Nintendo discontinued the ability to purchase Rubies (the in-game premium currency) and introduced new player-friendly features in some territories in response to regulatory developments. Mario Kart Tour’s updated rating on Brazil’s certification platforms signifies a significant step in the ongoing international debate over in-game monetization and consumer protection.
As more countries evaluate their stance on loot boxes and similar features, developers and publishers are being compelled to adapt their mobile offerings or risk stricter classification and platform restrictions.
For the moment, Mario Kart Tour remains available in Brazil on the App Store and Google Play, accessible only to users who meet the new age requirement. With this development, the long-running Mario Kart franchise continues to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape, balancing player engagement with compliance in an increasingly scrutinized industry.
