The Excitement of Casinos in Video Games
If you love visiting land-based casinos, then you’ll understand that there’s something special about video games with casinos. Sometimes, it’s just traversing these intricate digital gambling spaces that are exciting, while other times you may be able to gamble against non-playable characters or other players to put your skills to the test.
In this guide, we’ve looked at games that either feature casino levels or simulated gambling gameplay. It’s worth noting which developers are behind each game as these tend to have reputations for creating titles with cinematic graphics, immersive cut-scenes, and intuitive control mechanisms.
To round out this guide, we have also discussed the important topic of loot boxes and gaming. There have been growing calls around the world to make these illegal as they could encourage underage gambling. Therefore, it’s worth understanding the concerns around these increasingly popular feature.
Top Video Games with Casinos
Below, we have listed five games and franchises that have become famous for their casino settings or gambling levels. It’s worth pointing out that each of these games is not just renowned for its great casino levels, but because they are well-made and exciting modern classics with large followings.
Grand Theft Auto Online
While casino gambling was first introduced in GTA: San Andreas, it was the Diamond Resort and Casino expansion of Grand Theft Auto Online that really took things to a new level. This is without a doubt the most comprehensive casino environment ever built for a video game, with the casino taking direct inspiration from Las Vegas resorts.
- Released: July 2019
- Developer: Rockstar Games
Within the Diamond Resort and Casino, you can gamble your in-game currency on everything including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and horse racing. There are also exciting poker video games within the gaming floor. You can convert your chips into your game cash and buy a Penthouse suite which will then give you access to high-roller rooms.
Within the casino, you can visit nightclubs, a VIP bar, hotel rooms, and new cars within the basement garage. The Diamond Casino isn’t just a fun place to visit though. There are also several missions within the casino that are unlocked as you progress and buy your way into the Penthouse suite.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Shortly before gambling was introduced to other Rockstar Games title GTA Online, players of Red Dead Redemption 2 could enjoy a range of gaming activities throughout the open-world setting. In fact, if you want a 100% completion rate to this game, you’ll need to complete a series of Gambler Challenges.
- Released: October 2018
- Developer: Rockstar Games
Gambling is available in many saloons, with poker, blackjack, and dominoes among the available options. Your character, Marston, can also wager on a number of other activities too, such as arm wrestling, liar’s dice and five finger fillet. These activities can earn you big dollars in in-game currency or send you broke.
While there aren’t any casinos per se, you’ll find table games set up in gambling rooms like casinos. While some activities are friendly games held between non-playable characters, others are held in more luxurious locations. You can also play poker or liar’s dice with others in the online gameplay mode.
Fallout: New Vegas
There are few casinos in video games that are as exciting as those found in Fallout: New Vegas. If you’re unfamiliar with the Fallout games, this series is set in a post-apocalyptic world occupied by scavengers and survivors. As the title suggests, this game is set in a version of Las Vegas.
- Released: October 2010
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
There are seven different casinos and gaming destinations that you can visit on the New Vegas Strip, with each offering a selection of games including blackjack, roulette, and slots. It’s worth noting that some of these casinos, such as the Sierra Madre, are only available with expansion packs.
The exciting thing about these games is that the casino settings are clearly inspired by current establishments but have a unique post-apocalyptic twist. The outcomes of these gambling activities will also be affected by your Luck stats. One other exciting gambling option is a card-game called Caravan which was specifically created for this game.
Loads of video games take real casinos in Las Vegas as inspiration for their settings.
Rainbow Six: Vegas
The Rainbox Six franchise is a well-known series that has earned a huge following over the last twenty years. The games follow an anti-terrorism unit that must defeat a series of difficult targets. In the Vegas title, the game is set within a series of fictional casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Released: November 2006
- Developer: Ubisoft
Both the Calypso Casino and Dante’s Casino are two primary settings where players must go head-to-head with the international terrorists. The Vertigo Spire is a luxury hotel setting filled with rooms and suites, with the game designers taking clear inspiration from some of Vegas’ most iconic destinations.
This game stands out on our list of the best casinos in video games as you are not able to enjoy in-game gambling activities. Instead, you’ll simply be immersed within large gaming floors featuring abandoned slots and table games. Regardless, the setting will be instantly familiar and enjoyed by fans of casino visits.
The Sims 3
The Sims is one of the most famous video games of all time. The basic premise is that players are able to create characters that they must help to survive and achieve a series of life goals. It wasn’t until The Sims 3 was released that players were able to send their characters to enjoy gambling activities.
- Released: June 2009
- Developer: Electronic Arts
The Lucky Simoleon Casino is an expansion that must be bought within the game’s official store. The casino is based on the Flamingot Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, with blackjack and slots available. While you can’t control the outcomes of these games, you are able to make your Sim play and hopefully win.
Sims who have the Lucky trait will benefit from their casino visits. In The Sims 4, you can even download special fan-made modifications that allow you to enjoy casino gambling. The Casino Hollywood mode is the most popular and has been designed to replicate Vegas-style gaming destinations.
Loot Boxes: The Gambling Controversy
In recent years, a debate has been growing about whether video game loot boxes should be outlawed as they promote underage gambling. Loot boxes are essentially chests that contain random items of varying value. To unlock these chests, players must spend in-game currency which often can be bought for real money.
Due to the random nature of the prizes, players can spend a lot of money to receive items of little value. Some have argued that this encourages high spending for the same thrill as a slot machine. The biggest difference is that these items may not have any real-world value, so for the most part, players are at a loss.
Some countries have already looked to ban these, with Belgium the first country to do so. Games that have been highlighted for promoting loot boxes are FIFA games, Counter Strike: GO, and many popular mobile games. While these have not yet been banned in the USA, it’s an important topic to be aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you looking for quick answers to questions about casinos in video games? In this section, we’ve addressed some commonly asked questions about this interesting topic. If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about online and land-based gambling, we suggest you check out more of our online gambling articles.
Which video games have gambling in them?
We have highlighted five video games that include gambling in them. These include GTA Online, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Fallout: New Vegas. The other games on the list simply include casinos. It’s important to note that you can’t gamble and win real money in these games. Instead, there are simulated versions of everything from slots to poker.
What is the difference between gaming and gambling?
The difference between gaming and gambling is that in gambling, you rely on chance to win a desired outcome, while in gaming, you rely on skill to win a desired outcome. That said, these terms are often interchangeable when used to describe gambling, and many new titles converge the two. One pure example of gambling is roulette. While this is a game, it’s entirely based on chance.
What type of gambling is in GTA?
In the GTA Online series, there are several gambling activities featured. These include slot machines, roulette, and blackjack. It’s important to note that you can’t gamble real money in this game but only in-game currency that can be used to purchase items within the game.
