The connection between gambling and video games has been debated by the press in recent years, especially regarding loot boxes. Now, with the new GTA Online casino in Grand Theft Auto V, new controversies are emerging, and it remains unavailable in several countries.
Casinos and gambling are nothing new in games: from Sonic and its iconic stages based on the theme to game companies and their countless pachinko machines in Japan, or in the West with games such as Red Dead Redemption 2, which has a dedicated poker community and allows the game to be played within its online mode. GTA, however, reaches a new level when it comes to these games, with an almost complete casino where players can spend their in-game money however they wish.
The online casino was removed in around 50 countries in total, most of which have no date for its return. After all, why did the same not happen in Brazil if physical casinos and bingo halls are not permitted, apart from games authorized by Caixa Econômica Federal, such as the Mega-Sena lottery that it controls? In reality, at least some types of betting are already permitted online, while others remain "not localized" but circulate without problems.
The earlier failure to localize the websites already created a major "end run" around financial returns, resulting in a loss that was calculated in 2016 at R$2.1 billion in taxes that could have returned to the national treasury, according to O Globo.
However, because of Rockstar Games' own choice and considering the negative opinions surrounding loot boxes in some places, Rockstar may permanently ban betting in certain locations. Some players question the nature of this restriction, given that loot boxes remain permitted, but some governments have already shown their displeasure with the practice and called for its removal from games.
In Brazil, as the return of physical casinos is being studied and online casinos are permitted in a certain way nationally, this appears to have given Rockstar the green light not to worry about the game in the country. Red Dead Redemption 2, with poker in its online mode, faced the same restrictions because it involves "betting" in a game that is actually considered a "mind sport."
GTA Online: The Diamond Casino & Resort
In the GTA Online: The Diamond Casino & Resort DLC, there is a community space where players can interact with one another and take part in a series of typical casino activities.
In the gaming area, you can engage in various typical casino activities such as poker, slot machines, bingo, and blackjack. The location also has a penthouse with a spa, VIP services, and other activities more closely related to the in-game characters' appearance. In addition, new story missions will be added with a focus on this update.
For those who already own the game, the establishment is located at the corner of Vinewood Park Drive and Mirror Park Boulevard.
In the Grand Theft Auto franchise, the presence of casinos is already common because they fit the theme of the games' plots, but this DLC gives players the experience of actually being in a casino. Using GTA San Andreas as an example, the casino was merely a place where the player went to start missions, since the space was nothing more than a room with music playing in the background, flashing lights, and a few security guards.
The update's main focus is bringing new entertainment possibilities to the online mode, since in addition to all this, a store selling luxury clothing and accessories is also added to the establishment, making more "hardcore" players want to acquire every available item, for example.
One of the prizes that can be won at the casino is the new Truffade Thrax car, and every week a new car can be acquired along with other new features.
The Casino Had Long Been Expected in the Game
Many players already suspected this update. Changes had been made to the building's façade, and hackers discovered code for the casino in subsequent game updates.
Those with a Twitch Prime account can link it to their Social Club account and "purchase" a casino home for free, in addition to receiving GTA$1,2500.00 in the game, giving their experience at The Diamond Casino & Resort a start with greater opportunities.
While GTA 6 (VI) remains only the subject of rumors and theories, this update should give Rockstar more time to advance its projects and keep its most dedicated fans entertained for a while longer.
The DLC is available for free with the game on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions no longer receive online mode updates, so unfortunately only the following generation has access to it.
