With online gaming attracting new audiences every day, gaming companies are constantly looking for ways to make their games more exciting. We’ve seen software companies draw from movies and comic books to create games, and we’ve seen plenty of successful games re-released with new features and improved gameplay mechanics. One of the latest trends to emerge in the race to create the next bestselling game is the inclusion of a gambling element within the game.
Online Casinos
Online casinos, like the ones found here, feature plenty of slot games and table games that have drawn inspiration from video games. It’s only fitting that video games should turn to online casinos in return because the two gaming formats clearly complement each other. The video game/casino crossover appeals to gamblers looking for an alternative game format, and it also appeals to the video game players who wouldn’t necessarily sign up for a casino account but who do enjoy playing gambling games. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best video games with casino features on the market.
Grand Theft Auto V: Online
The Grand Theft Auto franchise took the world by storm when it hit the gaming scene, and players have been flocking to this powerhouse of a game ever since. The latest incarnation, Grand Theft Auto V: Online features a fully equipped casino called the Diamond Casino & Resort. Players can take a break from adrenaline infused car chases by spending some time exploring the casino and playing games. The Diamond Casino & Resort has been designed to perfection. Games within the casino include slots, roulette, and poker. Players are given free chips to get started, plus you also have the option of buying chips with real money in order to extend your playing time. GTA cash and prizes are up for grabs.
However, before you get too excited by the prospect of pitting your GTA avatar against the casino, you should be aware that certain countries have blocked players from accessing the GTA casino. Many governing bodies believe that the casino element means that the game should be considered as a gambling game and therefore be licenced as such. The debate regarding gambling licences for games that feature gambling elements and loot boxes is ongoing, so keep a look out for news updates on the situation.
Red Dead Redemption
The team behind GTA are the same team behind Red Dead Redemption. This is another absolute blockbuster of a game, with fans raving about everything from storyline to graphics. Red Dead Redemption features an awesome Texas Hold’em game, which is styled perfectly to capture the atmosphere of Wild West gambling. Players can take a seat at the table and play a few rounds of poker against a bunch of hardened players. Be sure to learn the rules of Texas Hold’em before you take a seat at the table, though, because you’ll be up against seasoned players. The game allows you to win more cash by cheating if you think you can get away with it. But don’t go down that road unless you’re willing to fight your opponent to the death – because when they catch you cheating, they don’t take it lying down.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 hit the shelves in 2015, and almost everyone you ask will tell you that it was the game of the year. Ever since it landed, The Witcher 3 has been hailed for its innovative gameplay, detailed storyline, and stunning visuals. Fans are wild about The Witcher, and the game’s fanbase hasn’t stopped growing. If you haven’t played this game yet, then seriously, what are you waiting for?
The Witcher 3 features a card game called Gwent. You’ll come across the game plenty of times on your Witcher journey, and it is an important element of the game as a whole. The aim of the game is to defeat your opponent using spells (played out according to the cards in your hand. As you move through the game, you’ll need to collect Gwent cards to ensure that you have a strong deck so that when it comes time to play, you’ll have a better chance of winning. A game of Gwent plays out over three rounds, and winner of is the one with the most points at the end of the rounds. When you win, you get to pick three extra cards from a selection of five. Gwent is a fun distraction, but the way it is incorporated into the main game is cleverly done. We think that you’ll love it.
Final Word
There are plenty of other video games that feature casino elements. If the games we’ve mentioned don’t tickle your fancy, check out Final Fantasy VIII, Fallout: New Vegas, Super Mario 64, or Watchdogs. All of these games feature an entertaining side-hustle. Most of these games offer a risk-free way to indulge in a fun gambling session. However, be careful when it comes to paying real money for virtual casino chips-those payments add up quickly.