Believe it or not, gambling and video games have been crossing paths for decades. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, arcades were all the rage, and although arcades didn’t openly promote gambling, bets between players on game outcomes were pretty common. Console games weren’t as popular back then, but friendly bets on games like Pong were likely happening in homes across the country. As arcades lost popularity, home consoles took over, starting with the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Gambling at Home
The late 80s and early 90s didn’t have online casinos, so the closest thing to gambling at home was through gambling-themed video games. These games weren’t the easiest to find and were more of a novelty than a full-blown genre, but they provided a bit of the casino vibe for adult gatherings. While they’re not the real thing, these games can give a small gambling thrill without financial risk. Plus, with many new games incorporating gambling elements, there are a lot of ways for players to enjoy a bit of betting within the safety of a video game.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best gambling games around. If you’re a fan, feel free to chime in with your favorites.
10. Super Caesars Palace (1993)
Super Caesars Palace was a big win for Virgin Interactive, which landed the rights to the Caesars Palace brand for a unique gambling experience on the Super Nintendo. Players start with $2000 in virtual cash and can bet on classics like blackjack, poker, roulette, slots, and even horse racing. The game allowed interaction with virtual casino patrons who would offer tips, adding a new level of realism for the time.
9. Vegas Stakes (1993)
Released around the same time as Super Caesars Palace, Vegas Stakes had its own appeal. Here, a group of friends heads to Vegas with $1,000 each, aiming for a lofty $10 million win. With craps, poker, blackjack, and slots, players could interact with other characters, laying the groundwork for the role-playing elements we see in modern games.
8. Golden Nugget 64 (1998)
For a while, Golden Nugget 64 was the most realistic casino game available. Exclusive to the Nintendo 64, it showcased impressive graphics and sounds. Players could play solo or multiplayer with friends, each starting with a virtual $1,000. With ten different casino games, it was one of the more immersive gambling games of the 90s.
Tips for Bouncing Back from a Big Gambling Loss
7. Hoyle Casino (2000)
For many, Hoyle Casino was their first introduction to gambling games on a computer. With 350+ games, primarily slots, this title offered a wide range of classic casino experiences. The series’ popularity led to new releases, including one as recent as 2016, showing there’s still interest in this style of play.
6. Hoyle Casino Empire (2002)
Building on the success of the original Hoyle Casino games, Hoyle Casino Empire blends gambling with strategy elements, much like Sim City or Roller Coaster Tycoon. Here, players build and manage a casino, handling budgets and making strategic decisions to grow their gambling empire.
5. Fable II Pub Games (2008)
Fable II includes a unique gambling experience through virtual pub games, available via Xbox Live Arcade. With games like Keystone, Fortune’s Tower, and Spinnerbox, players could earn in-game credits without real money, making it an exciting side activity within the main RPG storyline.
4. Vegas Party (2018)
Released for the Nintendo Switch, Vegas Party is a social, gambling-themed race down the Las Vegas Strip. Up to four players can compete in a series of gambling minigames, making it an entertaining and fast-paced multiplayer experience.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
While Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t primarily a gambling game, it includes poker and blackjack within its richly detailed world, set in the Wild West. Saloons scattered throughout the game let players try their luck, adding an extra layer to the already immersive gameplay.
2. The Four Kings Casino & Slots (2015)
This interactive online casino offers players a virtual social experience similar to visiting a real casino. You can create a character, roam the casino floor, and play various table games, slots, and poker, all while interacting with other players in real-time.
1. GTA 5 Online (2013)
In GTA 5 Online, players can visit in-game casinos to gamble their virtual cash on blackjack, roulette, slots, and even horse racing. It’s as close to a real casino as it gets in the virtual world, allowing players to manage their in-game currency, GTA$, while trying to win big.
Conclusion
Gambling video games offer a unique way to enjoy the thrill of betting without real financial risk. For video game fans who enjoy gambling themes, these games provide a fun and safe way to get that quick casino fix.
