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I’ve been playing games for a long time now, and there are countless hours in that time where I’ve been sitting just having a flutter in-game. Hell, I even learned how to play common casino gambling games by playing them in the game.
You have your in-game money, you have it all to win or lose and it’s a thrill. I’ve won so much money to help me progress. I’ve won hands of blackjack and poker to help me gain favour with characters and change the tide of a narrative. This in-game gambling has always been a source of fun to me!
Here are some of my favourite places to have a flutter in games. Some of these are old, but damn, they literally taught me what to do, and gave me the tools to have fun in EU casinos accepting UK players.
This classic Game Boy title, based on the 1997 film Tomorrow Never Dies, may surprise you with its inclusion of a full-fledged casino. Bond, ever the suave gambler, can try his hand at baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. While the graphics are understandably pixelated, the gameplay captures the tension of these classic gambling games. It’s a nostalgic trip for those who remember the thrill of Game Boy gaming and a fun diversion for Bond fans.
I literally learned to play blackjack in the back of my parent’s car on a trip one day. I had to win enough money to continue the story, and well, I got there in the end!
No gamer’s list of in-game gambling destinations would be complete without mentioning the Gold Saucer, the vibrant amusement park from Final Fantasy VII. This iconic location offers a dizzying array of games, from Chocobo Racing and the basketball-like 3D Battler to the card game Triple Triad.
The highlight, however, is the Wonder Square, where you can try your luck at slots, a lottery, and even a Mog House “fortune teller” that dispenses prizes. The Gold Saucer perfectly encapsulates the spirit of fun and excitement that draws players to both real and virtual casinos.
I actually need to finish FFVII Remake and the second part and see how The Gold Saucer looks in there, too. I assume I won’t need to continue races to get a gold chocobo this time?
Shenmue, with its focus on realistic simulation, offers a unique gambling experience by immersing players in the world of Japanese arcades.
Pachinko parlours, a staple of Japanese entertainment, are faithfully recreated, allowing players to experience the mesmerizing, pinball-like gameplay. I’ve never even heard the word Pachinko until Shenmue, and honestly, I don’t quite understand the fascination. But it’s massive in Japan!
The game also features capsule machines (gashapon), where you can spend your hard-earned yen on collectable trinkets. While not strictly “gambling” in the traditional sense, the thrill of anticipation and the joy of collecting rare items certainly scratch that itch. The Sonic and Virtua Fighter figures were weirdly a point of pride for me on my Dreamcast, back in the day.
Ok, you can’t have a flutter in a literal sense here. But Calypso Casino was a massive staple in my gaming life. And you were gambling with survival. Doing terrorist hunts or multiplayer mode. You were still looking for a win or a loss.
There was something about this map that just worked for me. Using slot machines for cover, hiding in the Keno Room. Going all the way down to the safe and surviving in the corridors. It really lent itself to the action and the gameplay. I’d wager that no other in-game casino has come so close to being perfect for the game that it’s in.
GTA Online takes virtual gambling to a whole new level with the Diamond Casino & Resort. This massive online playground allows players to indulge in all sorts of casino games, from roulette and blackjack to poker and slot machines. You can even purchase a penthouse suite and customize it to your liking, further immersing yourself in the high-roller lifestyle. With its constant updates and lively community, the Diamond Casino & Resort offers an ever-evolving and engaging gambling experience.
I’ve spent, and won a fortune here. I honestly thought that this would be my way to the millions and millions I needed for new businesses. But I’ve spent too long here and whilst I’ve won cars, clothes and cash, I’ve still not hit it big. Maybe next time?
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