Modern video games are much more complex than their predecessors. Instead of following one story and being involved in a single activity, players can explore different places and practice various things which sometimes are barely related to the main story. Side quests, mini-games, and missions are included in these releases to help you experience something new, exciting, and unexpected.
One of these activities is gambling, often available as mini-games within the main game. Many popular video games allow players to try various casino games, from live baccarat with a professional dealer to regular games of slots, dice games, and roulette. These games integrate smaller gameplays, immersing players into virtual wagering without leaving the main storyline. Such multi-dimensional approach builds up anticipation about the overall game progression.
Red Dead Redemption/Red Dead Redemption 2
The ultra-popular action-adventure game and its sequel are two video games where players can enjoy virtual gambling. They come with pretty realistic mini-games based on popular casino games. This makes sense because these titles were inspired by the Wild West, a place and time where gambling was pretty standard.
In Red Dead Redemption, you can wager on various activities, including horseshoes, arm wrestling, five finger fillet, and liar’s dice. On top of that, you can play poker and blackjack, and some of the game’s trophies are related to these activities. The same options are available in RDR2 plus dominoes. Of course, this time, the visuals look much better.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Next on the list, we have another famous and unique role-playing video game. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is one of the most successful titles from the Yakuza series published by Sega. One of the reasons for that success is the presence of multiple mini-games, including well-known casino games.
First, players can try roulette, a mini-game introduced in the series’ first title. Interestingly, we have the American table game variant with a single zero, a double zero, and 36 numbers. Even though it’s a mini-game, it includes almost every option you can find in regular roulette games, including several inside and outside bets.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon also includes poker, a mini-game that appeared first in Yakuza 3. This time, you can expect to play Texas Hold ’em poker. It’s worth noting that Omaha Hold ’em and Pineapple Hold ’em variants are available in Yakuza 5, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza 0. Every player can use low, high, and ultra-high stakes.
Lastly, you can get involved in blackjack, a card game revealed for the first time in Yakuza 2. Once again, we have a mini-game providing multiple options and features like hit, stand, split, double down, and surrender, promising a realistic experience.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
When Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was launched in 2020, it became an instant hit. Players were fascinated by the virtual world’s graphics and size in this action role-playing video game. Of course, many of them were happy to learn that several exciting side quests and mini-games involve gambling.
One of these options that every player can get involved in is Orlog. The latter is a dice game originating from the Nordic countries, which was also popular among Anglo-Saxons. Honestly, this is a slightly complex game that requires some time to master. You can also use different strategies and tactics to defeat the opponent and take the virtual credits.
GTA
The Grand Theft Auto series is another excellent option for those looking to gamble in video games. It all started in the fourth main installment of the action-adventure series – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. In this case, they could only wager money on Vice Street Racer Events.
Things became even more thrilling when the GTA San Andreas was introduced in 2004. This was the first time when players could play casino-based mini-games. More precisely, they could wager virtual money on blackjack, roulette, video poker, slot machines, and Wheel of Fortune. Craps and Texas Hold ’em poker were planned, but they were deleted right before the game was launched without explanation. Still, you can see the craps table when you are moving through the virtual casino in GTA San Andreas.
In GTA Online, players can also try Three Card Poker and Lucky Wheel and bet on horse racing.
The Witcher/The Witcher 2
At the end of the list, we have The Witcher series, or The Witcher and The Witcher 2, more precisely, because the last sequel doesn’t include an option to gamble. Even though this role-playing action game occurs in a fantasy world, players can try an activity that has been popular for centuries.
In the first two titles, players can play dice poker. This interesting mini-game can help you increase the number of orens (fantasy currency). Playing dice poker is part of a quest in these games. You can expect a similar ranking of hands to the one found in regular poker games, with a pair of two identical dice being the lowest-valued hand and five-of-a-kind (five matching dice) being the strongest hand. Hopefully, The Witcher TV series will feature this activity too because it looks fun.
