3 Video Games That Will Make You Want to Visit a gaming parlor

There are many slots based on TV programs, movie franchises, and video games. However, this also works in the other direction too. There are many famous movie scenes set in casinos and classic TV episodes that involve playing poker, roulette, or blackjack.

In addition to this, there are also several video games that not only use the concept of gambling (even if it is set in a total fantasy world) not only as a backdrop to set the storyline against but as an actual sub-game to help the central character, as a plot device to unlock special features, or to increase the game protagonist’s player level. These games that include casino elements will often leave the gamer wanting to experience the real thing, but what games are most likely to do that? This article uncovers that.

Grand Theft Auto – San Andreas

The first thing that probably springs to mind here is the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) game franchise and, in particular, GTA San Andreas. As an important part of the plot, you need to improve the central character’s gambling ability by frequent visits to the casino – it creates the impression that he is a high roller and able to borrow more funds.

The gameplay here can be fun, but this doesn’t quite match the experience you might get at the best gambling sites yourself. You may be inspired to have a go yourself, either playing with real money or at one of the many social casinos that are accessible.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

If you thought GTA San Andreas was a bit old school, then Sonic 2 probably counts as prehistoric. If the gambling connection does spring immediately to mind, it refers to a specific set of levels in the platform game set in the Casino Zone. There is plenty of graphical content that puts you in mind of Las Vegas and casinos, and various challenges that the title character needs to complete (ably assisted by ‘Tails’) have a casino flavor.

One section in particular, where you control Sonic in a pinball machine, has a target that sets slot reels spinning and offers prizes of additional rings for getting the right sequence. There is, unlike slots you might find in an online casino, a sequence that means you lose a substantial number of rings.

Red Dead Redemption

This game set in the old west takes more than a few leaves out of the same book as GTS San Andreas, and as you would expect, some of the gameplay takes place over the card table at the saloon.

The game here is Texas Hold ’em, and as well as playing fair, you can also get yourself into an extra gunfight or two if you get caught as and when you strategically bend the rules (cheating is such a harsh word).

Final thoughts

There are plenty of games that have a gambling element to help the plot along, like the Final Fantasy 8 or The Witcher, and even some like the Sims that have an actual casino for your characters to play at. However, the perfect match of fun and enhancing gameplay is probably best defined by GTA, Sonic 2, and Red Dead Redemption.