Person holding Sony PS3 controller in front of flat screen monitor photo – Free Grand theft auto Image on Unsplash

The world of gaming has expanded to include a wide array of activities that go beyond just traditional gameplay, and the addition of casino-style wagering in video games has created a fascinating blend of gaming and gambling. For players who enjoy the thrill of casino games like blackjack, poker, and slots, but prefer the comfort of their own home, video games with casino wagering options offer an exciting alternative to physical casinos. These games allow players to experience the excitement of betting and winning while still enjoying immersive gameplay and unique features.

1. Grand Theft Auto V – In-Game Casino Experience

One of the most iconic games to include a casino wagering feature is Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V). In this game, players can visit the fictional Diamond Casino & Resort in the game’s Los Santos city. The casino offers a variety of gambling games, including slot machines, poker tables, roulette, and blackjack. Players can engage in these games to win in-game currency (chips) that can be used for other purchases, such as upgrading vehicles, buying property, or acquiring luxury items. The Diamond Casino & Resort within Grand Theft Auto V is immersive and can often feel like gamers are wagering at a real virtual casino online. Some of the top online casinos in the UK feature similar games, like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack. Although, when bettors are playing at a real online casino they will wager with real money with the opportunity to win real-world cash as they play instead of in-game chips like in GTA V. 

For players who enjoy poker, the GTA V casino offers multiple poker variations, including Texas Hold’em, where players can compete against AI or other players. The immersive graphics and the high-energy environment of the virtual casino add to the excitement of the gameplay, making it a favorite for those looking to experience a realistic casino atmosphere within a video game.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Western Poker and Blackjack

Red Dead Redemption 2 is another fantastic open-world game where players can enjoy casino-style wagering. Set in the late 1800s, the game offers several opportunities to play poker and blackjack in saloons scattered throughout the game’s vast, detailed world. Players can engage in classic poker games, where they can test their skills against NPCs or win money by making the right bets. The game’s attention to detail and realistic setting make the casino experience feel like a genuine part of the Wild West.

The game’s poker mechanics are robust, requiring players to use strategy and bluffing to win. While the stakes are lower compared to traditional casino gaming, Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to enjoy a fun and immersive casino experience within the broader story and world of the game.

3. The Sims 4 – Virtual Gambling with High Stakes

For fans of simulation games, The Sims 4 offers an exciting gambling experience in a virtual world. While not initially a central feature of the game, several downloadable mods have added casino-style content, allowing Sims to play poker, blackjack, and slot machines. These mods offer players the opportunity to design and run their own casinos or visit virtual casinos within the game. Players can wager simoleons (the in-game currency) and try to build their wealth through casino games.

The integration of casino-style games into The Sims 4 provides players with the flexibility to gamble in a risk-free environment while enjoying the unique simulation elements the game is known for. It’s a fun option for players who prefer a more lighthearted approach to gambling in a virtual space.

4. World Series of Poker (WSOP) – Poker for Real Money

For dedicated poker fans, World Series of Poker (WSOP) offers an authentic poker experience with real stakes. Available as both a mobile game and a PC title, WSOP allows players to compete in real poker tournaments modeled after the real-life World Series of Poker events. Players can bet virtual chips, enter tournaments, and advance through different levels, all while trying to win big in the online poker community.

While the game is free to play, there are options to use in-game currency to enter higher-stakes games or purchase additional tournament tickets. Some versions also allow players to stake real money for real-world prizes, adding an extra level of excitement for those who want to test their poker skills against others in the global online community.

5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) – Wagering on Battle Royale Matches

PUBG is an extremely popular game with some reports noting that at times there can be over 700,000 players online playing at once. While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is not a traditional casino game, it offers an exciting form of in-game wagering through its battle royale gameplay. In PUBG, players can wager in-game currency on various competitions and challenges, such as custom tournaments or player-vs-player matchups. The game’s vast multiplayer environment provides an exciting backdrop for players who wish to test their skills and potentially earn in-game rewards by placing wagers on outcomes.

In addition to tournaments and one-on-one matchups, some fan-driven community events allow players to bet on who will come out victorious in a given match. The flexibility of these wager-based features means that PUBG players can experience the excitement of betting, similar to casino games, but within the context of competitive gameplay. These bets often come with rewards like exclusive skins or currency, making the experience more thrilling for gamers who enjoy taking risks and testing their skills in high-stakes environments.