Well frankly, that’s a pretty clear signal that PEGI can’t be trusted with the purpose it exists for IMO

Anyone with a brain can see that EAFC’s gambling mechanics are much more harmful than Balatro.

And what has Balatro got that “Poker night at the inventory”, a PEGI 12, doesn’t?

Not the EU, at least in my country, it wouldn’t be gambling if you can prove that you need a certain amount of dexterity and direct involvement to influence the outcome. You can clearly do this in Balatro. Also, no money is involved.