How to manage money in games
Many online games let players buy extra things inside the game, such as items to customise an avatar, removing ads or wait times, or buying loot boxes to generate random rewards. These are often called in-game purchases.
Occasional purchases may be fine for your family, but frequent spending can create pressure and affect how your child experiences the game.
On this page:
Being prepared and setting up for safety
In-game purchases have become increasingly common with the rise of free games, and can also be included in games you’ve already purchased. When it comes to spending money in games, it’s important to know how to manage the different options that may be available.
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Know when in-game purchases are present
Check if in-game purchases are an option before downloading or buying a game. The eSafety Guide identifies in-app purchasing in popular games.
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Talk about spending
Discuss how small purchases can add up and why budgeting or tracking spending is important. Regularly reflect on spending, so you can make good choices about spending together.
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Look out for pushy tactics
Some games can make it difficult to play without making purchases (for example, they might block progress until you pay). The ways they do this are often hard for children to recognise and resist. Reviews can help you identify these tactics.
You can find more information about how to set up and choose games safely, including advice about how to use parental controls in games.
How children buy things in games
Children can make in-game purchases in a number of ways, including:
- Stored payment details – if parents have saved credit/debit card details in the app store or game account, children don’t need to enter the card number again, they can simply tap to confirm. On some platforms, purchases can happen with one click.
- Gift cards – children can use gift cards that are specific to the platform or device. For example, Apple, Google Play or Xbox/PlayStation gift cards.
- In-game currency – many games use their own ‘currency’ (like coins or gems), which players can buy with real money, and then spend it inside the game. This can make it harder to see how much money they are actually spending.
Gambling-like features in games
There are growing concerns about the connection between gambling and games. Click or tap on the + icons to learn more about key risks.
Simulated gambling games
These are games that are designed to mimic gambling, such as blackjack, poker, slots or roulette. Regardless of whether real money is used, these are not recommended for children under the age of 18 years.
Gambling-like features
These are features in games that are similar to gambling, such as loot boxes or otherwise known as bundles, crates and cases. Loot boxes have chance-based rewards, where you don’t know the value prior to purchasing (like a lucky dip). These may include in-game currency, equipment, weapons or ‘skins’. Games with in-game purchases linked to chance are not recommended for children under the age of 15 years.
- ‘Skins’ are used in some games to change the appearance of a player’s weapon, equipment or avatar. While skins can’t be exchanged for real money within the game, they may be used to gamble or be converted to cash on third-party websites, posing additional risks.
Gambling ads
These are common in free games and might also be in other gaming related apps or platforms, like gaming streaming services. The ads may be for betting services or simulated gambling games.
How can I tell if my child is gambling?
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation lists signs that may suggest a young person is beginning to gamble, whether through online games or other means. For example:
- spending time talking or thinking about gambling
- obsessing over simulated gambling apps and games
- focusing on the odds when watching sport, rather than the game itself
- borrowing money from family or friends
- being secretive about their activities
- mood swings or appearing stressed
- feeling depressed or disengaged from friends
- lower grades or skipping school.
If you think your child might be gambling online and it’s negatively affecting their health or wellbeing, contact a counsellor or mental health practitioner for support.
To help you make choices with your child around spending on gambling-like features, use the Australian Classifications to identify games that have gambling present.
You can also stay informed about the latest advice on gambling related harm and consider whether this is appropriate for your child.
If you think your child might be gambling online and it’s negatively affecting their health or wellbeing, contact a counsellor or mental health practitioner for support.
Setting rules together for in-game spending
Setting clear rules together for spending money in games makes it easier to keep your child safe online. eSafety has a resource called a family tech agreement, which is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home.
Here are some things you might want to include about in-game purchases:
When spending is allowed
If allowed, it is recommended that you set firm limits around the types of purchases and amounts, as well as how often they can make a purchase.
How spending will be managed
Parental controls can help to manage or block spending. This can prevent accidental or unsupervised expenses. You may also want to use pre-approved amounts or gift cards to prevent overspending.
Consider keeping passwords for the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to yourself
This will help you make sure your child doesn’t purchase apps or add-ons without your knowledge. You can also set up ‘family sharing’ so any purchases must be approved by you.
Family values around gambling-like features
Discuss ahead of time what gambling-like features might be included in games and your family values around these.
Don’t save credit card details
Keep payment details separate so that children can't make purchases without permission.
Help your child make good choices with money
Making good choices with money can be challenging, even for adults. When it comes to spending money in games safely, you can help your child build their understanding and make better habits for every game they play.
Be intentional with purchases
Encourage your child to pause before making the choice to spend. Will they still want it in a day or a week’s time?
Understand their motivations
Talk about how the game might be influencing their decisions. Is the game making it hard on purpose, so they buy more resources? Are time-limited offers putting them under pressure?
Build their knowledge of in-game purchasing
Some features in online games are designed to encourage more play and spending. Talk with them about gambling, what it is, and its consequences – both online and in the physical world. You can find helpful conversation starters on the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation website or check out eSafety’s page on in-app purchasing, which has information about the risks and benefits.
How to get help if something goes wrong
Report where relevant
If you need to make a complaint about certain types of interactive gambling services, such as online casino-style games, unlicensed gaming website, or gaming ads targeting children, contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA).
Something has happened
Gaming platforms have a responsibility to ensure every player’s safety. If your child is experiencing online harm while they play, there are steps you can take to deal with the situation.
Find out how you can help your child if something goes wrong online, including how to make a report to the platform or to eSafety.
Last updated: 12/12/2025
