Videogames With the Best Casino Settings
The casino setting can be gritty, it can be glamorous, it’s most definitely multi-faceted - and that's why game developers love it so much. There are dozens upon dozens of videogames that feature casino scenes, some that you really wouldn't expect and some that make perfect sense.
Some are so fantastic because of their over-the-top opulence; others are great for their spit and sawdust vibes. Most of them let you actually play the games too, which is a big plus (for me anyway). So, ready to get stuck in?
Fallout: New Vegas
You’ve landed a jackpot! This game should come as no surprise, you - absolutely, positively - would expect to see a casino in Fallout: New Vegas. This game is set long (long, long, long) after the apocalypse in none other than the City of Sin itself! There are an absolute ton of casinos to explore in this game, including the Sierra Madre Casino and the Atomic Wrangler. You can find chips in most of them, which you can use to try your hand at the casino games.
The Atomic Wrangler is a great choice if you're into video poker and slots, while the Sierra Madre is more geared towards table games. With that said, there are all kinds of locations with their own unique flavor. You could spend literal hours snooping around looking for your own personal gaming spot. Oh, and I should mention, there are rewards to be earned from your success at the games too! So, it's a worthwhile way to spend a few game hours.
Red Dead Redemption 2
My next choice (and a personal favorite) is Red Dead Redemption 2. Perhaps you’ll consider this a bit of a stretch (maybe), but there are lots of locations where you can play casino games in RDR2. Even if they're not strict, what would be considered a casino nowadays. Instead, you'll find the option to play dominoes, poker, and blackjack at various saloons dotted around the map. Think smokey, dark, whiskey drinking venues, filled with irritable cowboys.
If you've never played before then it's a Wild West themed game. You roam around the countryside atop your trusty steed, getting into - and hopefully out of - trouble. The Texas Hold'em part of this game is brilliant, and you can easily while away a few hours of play time at the table. The NPCs that you'll play with are surprisingly good company, making jokes about your poor moves and celebrating your good ones. You will definitely need to know how to play poker to enjoy this one though, as unlike Fallout: New Vegas, the instructions are somewhat limited.
The Sims 3
So far, we've looked at games where the casino is all set up for you, but what if you could build your own? Well, as anyone who spent a lot of time on the Sims will know, there is a game where that's possible! All of the Sims games would kind of allow you to create your own casino, but it was The Sims 3 that set out an entire casino expansion pack. In the Lucky Simoleon Casino pack, you could model an entire casino just how you wanted it. There are plenty of tables for card games like blackjack and poker, as well as a stunning roulette table and even slot machines. They based the casino-specific decor on the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, so it's a little loud and garish, but all the more fun for it. Better still, there are endless glamorous outfits that you can dress your sims up in to allow them to head out to the casino. They've really turned up the dial to eleven in this expansion pack and I for one am here for it.
Grand Theft Auto V
Back with another entry from the iconic Rockstar Games. Grand Theft Auto V is a super popular game that features none other than the Diamond Casino. The games on offer are super realistic and comprise all of the casino basics including blackjack, roulette and slots. The slots are particularly fun as they reference television shows from the game itself. An extra 'Inception' point for Rockstar on that one. When playing multiplayer, you can have a chat and socialize in the same way as you might in a brick-and-mortar casino. Plus, once you've had your fill of casino gaming you can head to the horse racing track to let the fun continue.
The Witcher 3
A final mention for The Witcher 3, as if you're after the 'dodgiest' casino around, is to be found in this game. Situated in 'The Bits' district of Novigrad, this casino is definitely an adult only venue. I won't spoil the surprise for you too much but suffice it to say this card house might be an eye-opener. The whole Witcher series is an outstanding selection of videogames that never shies away from gritty subject matter. A must play for any old-school casino enthusiast.
