Video games and gambling often go hand in hand, as both games involve elements of risk, skill, chance, and reward. As video games have advanced over the years, many titles have incorporated gambling mechanics into the gameplay experience. Betting within video games attracts and entertains players with the promise of big wins. They come in many forms, from loot boxes to in-game casinos.
In-game casinos can be simple betting platforms or complex betting experiences that are almost comparable to online casinos. However, betting within video games, like betting on various sports and other games, does not offer serious bettors all the benefits that dedicated betting sites offer. Writer Jaehyun Park explains that traffic to gambling sites has increased recently due to the growing popularity of betting on sports such as MBA and e-sports. However, placing bets within a video game adds an extra layer of entertainment and complexity to the game for players. Let's take a look at popular video games that involve gambling.
One of the most popular video games that involve gambling is the “Grand Theft Auto” series. The series is developed by Rockstar Games and allows players to immerse themselves in a fictional city called Las Vegas Venturas, which closely resembles the real-life Las Vegas. The gaming environment includes a virtual casino that players can visit, where they can play games such as blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. There are also high stakes horse races in the game. When a player wins, he receives virtual money in the game.
The “Fallout” series also offers players a similar gambling experience. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios. In the game, players explore a post-apocalyptic world filled with creepy mutants and gambling. The game “Fallout: New Vegas” allows video game players to play games such as poker and blackjack inside a virtual casino.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is another great example of a popular video game that involves gambling. The game is set in the American Wild West, and players can visit old saloons and bet on games such as dominoes, blackjack, and poker. The game is known for its detailed graphics, giving players a real glimpse of what life and gambling were like in the 1800s.
“The Witcher” is another unique video game series. When playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can explore the game world and visit taverns. You can play a game of Gwent in the tavern. Gwent is a fictional card game that can only be played within The Witcher, and involves elements of bluff, strategy, and luck. Players aim to build the best deck possible and outperform their opponents. Although players do not particularly place bets in this game, the game mechanics of Gwent His Cards closely mimic the gambling mechanics of other games and are worth mentioning.
In addition to video games that include in-game wagering, traditional casino games, and card games, there are also many video games that include aspects of gambling such as loot boxes and random rewards.
For example, the game Overwatch features loot boxes. Inside the loot boxes, players may find new skins, voice lines, or emotes. Similarly, the popular soccer video game FIFA also features loot boxes. In-game, loot boxes are called Ultimate Team Packs. Ultimate Team Packs usually contain new soccer players that video gamers can use to skill up and strengthen their current team. Loot boxes are not exactly the same as gambling, but they are very similar as they offer unknown rewards in exchange for currency.
Video games that involve gambling are immersive and appealing to players. Adds an extra layer of entertainment for gamers who enjoy both video games and online gambling. As online gambling continues to grow in popularity alongside video games, we are likely to see an increase in the number of video games featuring gambling and casinos.
