Online Casino Laws Lock Players in 60 Countries Out of TDU Solar Crown Content

This July, the racing MMO Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown launched its fourth season, introducing several significant new features, from new cars to a fully-fledged in-game casino. But while some players eagerly rushed to test their luck on the slots, others were left behind, as gambling restrictions in more than 60 countries made a portion of the content completely inaccessible.

What's in the Update?

The main highlights of the new season for TDU Solar Crown are the introduction of a casino and five new cars. This would have been great, if not for one detail: the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series can now only be obtained through the casino's slot machines. For players in a long list of countries – spanning large parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania – access to the casino is blocked by law. As a result, their Season 4 experience is immediately diminished: only four of the five new cars are available to them, and they can't even try to get the main prize.

Why Did Slot Machines Become a Problem?

The reason lies in the strict regulation of online gambling. Even when dealing with in-game slots and prizes that can't be cashed out for real money, regulators often still classify such mechanics as a form of gambling. Legal definitions are frequently so vague that developers find it easier to disable the feature entirely rather than risk fines or having their game banned in a country.

A Familiar Story: GTA Online and Loot Box Laws

The situation with TDU Solar Crown is far from the first of its kind. A similar issue arose in 2019 with GTA Online following the release of the Diamond Casino & Resort update. At that time, many players from over 55 countries were only allowed to enter the casino building but not play the games, in order to comply with local laws. The reason was the same: since in-game currency can be bought with real money, regulators equate these games with actual gambling. Since then, developers have been increasingly forced to restrict access to controversial features to avoid trouble with authorities.

Context and Impact on Players

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is a modern racing game with MMO elements, where, in addition to racing, players can socialize, trade, visit shops, and now, a casino. While features like these are becoming increasingly popular, they are also attracting more interest and scrutiny from regulators worldwide. While players in some regions can fully immerse themselves in these activities, others are deprived of a significant part of the gameplay – a trend that is unlikely to disappear in the coming years.