Say what you like about the Grand Theft Auto franchise and its impact on our society, but the creators of this game were never too scared to try wild things nobody would expect in a video game. GTA series is known for its grim portrayal of street life, with plenty of nonconformist behaviour depicted very realistically. That’s why it comes as no surprise that gambling features embedded into the game are more authentic and exciting than any similar mini-game found in competing titles.
As we draw closer to the much-anticipated launch of GTA VI: Vice City, speculation about the inclusion of casino gambling is taking over the internet. Let’s chime in on this topic and discuss why it would be a shame if the game failed to retain this popular option.
Why Casino Gambling Fits Right Into the GTA Theme?
The secret of GTA’s popularity has always been its willingness to go where other games won’t. From the use of profanity at every step to participation in complex criminal activities, the player is allowed to act in ways that wouldn’t necessarily be socially acceptable in his everyday environment. In a way, the game lets us take a quick glance at the dark side and imagine how we would survive if we had to live in the violent gang world that the protagonists are immersed in. So, if theft and murder are totally OK it would be completely disingenuous to omit gambling from the game universe. For the game to be as genuine and edgy as possible, the inclusion of gambling in some shape or form is practically a necessity.
How Did the Previous Installment Incorporate Casino Gambling?
In GTA V Online, the designers made a strategic decision to create an entire location dedicated strictly to gambling. The players could visit the Diamond Casino & Resort, a completely functional casino where it’s possible to win in-game currency and real-world prizes. This location is not just an extra slapped on top of an unrelated game, as it features prominently in an important storyline quest. Players get 1,000 chips daily to use for casino gambling, while they can always purchase more. By acquiring a penthouse at the resort or achieving VIP status, players gain access to additional areas within the casino and get more favourable terms. This location and its contents are immensely popular with the player base and are frequently cited among the main reasons why GTA V felt so refreshing.
Which Casino Games Were Available in GTA V?
The thing about the Diamond Casino & Resort is that it functions exactly like a real casino. That means including faithful replicas of traditional casino games including slots that line up the lobby, and well as roulette, poker and blackjack in the back room. Another place within the casino where players could test their luck is the Inside Track betting shop, where it’s possible to predict the outcomes of horse races. That’s on top of the Wheel of Fortune game that all players can participate in upon entering the casino area. As you can see, the range of options is quite broad, giving players an opportunity to take a break from all the intense game action and just enjoy a simple spin of slot reels. Skilled players can use the casino as a complementary source of in-game revenue, although like many things in GTA this strategy carries some real risks.
Why the New Version Desperately Needs a Bit of Gambling?
After delivering such a fantastic gambling experience in the previous version of the game, Rockstar Entertainment has no choice but to up the ante. The players who loved the Diamond Casino location are coming in with heightened expectations, and they might not be pleased if this part of the game is neglected or dropped entirely. Since there is a lot of hype around the launch date and all the new additions to the game, the last thing the developer needs is a rebellion from the loyal fan base. Adding the ‘game within a game’ is very much in the spirit of GTA, and it also fits into the overall trend of turning popular legacy titles into gaming platforms. Since Grand Theft Auto already has a blueprint for what works, it shouldn’t be too hard to make the gambling aspect even more impressive.
What to Know Before Gambling in a Grand Theft Auto Game?
If you don’t play casino games outside of GTA, you would be wise to do some homework before you start chasing the jackpot. The first step is to understand the game rules and learn what legal strategies you can employ to get better results. Casino games are inherently risky even at a highest paying online casino let alone in a video game, but the odds vary from one option to another and you have to be aware how they translate into probabilities of winning. Games like blackjack or poker involve more skill-based play, so they represent a good opportunity to take control of your destiny. Whatever you do in a casino environment in GTA, remember to track your spending and don’t hesitate to pull the plug if things start going downhill.
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With over 15 years of playing games and 5 years of writing articles, Yaroslav is a CEO and content creator at HermitGamer. Yaroslav regularly plays video games, creates useful guides, and writes reviews with his opinion on new and old titles. His main goal is to make HermitGamer a platform, where each gamer can find the answers.
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