The Best Gambling Mini-Games in Video Games: Influence of Call of Duty, Red Dead Redemption and GTA on Casino Perception

Video games have increasingly blended elements of real-world gambling into their gameplay mechanics, offering mini-games that closely resemble actual casino experiences. From poker tables in Red Dead Redemption to slot machines in GTA and loot boxes in Call of Duty, developers use gambling-like mechanics to enhance realism or add extra layers of interactivity. These features not only entertain but also influence how players, particularly young adults, perceive gambling in real life.

Gambling Mechanics in Popular Titles

One of the most notable examples of gambling mechanics in video games is Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2. Players can engage in games of poker, blackjack, and five-finger fillet across different towns, complete with authentic rules and animations. The experience is so close to real-life casino gaming that it has attracted both praise and concern from psychologists studying behavioural triggers.

Grand Theft Auto V took this integration even further by introducing the Diamond Casino & Resort in 2019, a full-scale in-game casino where players can gamble chips on blackjack, roulette, slots, and horse racing. While chips are the only currency, they are often bought with real money, blurring the line between virtual and actual gambling. Regulatory bodies in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have restricted access to the casino due to concerns over gambling exposure.

Meanwhile, Call of Duty has long been criticised for its use of loot boxes—a mechanic where players pay real money for a random reward. Though not called gambling outright, these systems mimic slot machines, with visual and audio cues designed to trigger dopamine releases. Over time, this has raised debates around fairness, psychological manipulation, and the need for age restrictions similar to those imposed on real-world casinos.

Psychological Impact of In-Game Gambling

The psychological impact of these mini-games is far from trivial. Studies have shown that consistent exposure to gambling mechanics can desensitise players to risk, promote reward-seeking behaviour, and foster an unhealthy familiarity with betting structures. For example, a 2024 study by the British Psychological Society highlighted how loot box spending in shooters like Call of Duty strongly correlates with gambling tendencies among teens aged 15–18.

Another aspect is the reinforcement loop commonly found in mini-games—players win small amounts frequently, simulating the “near-miss” phenomenon in real gambling, which increases engagement. This system has been intentionally designed to mirror techniques used in physical slot machines, encouraging players to keep playing despite losses. This can create misleading expectations around win rates and influence real-life gambling decisions.

Parents, educators, and even lawmakers are now questioning the ethical framework behind such mechanics. Although entertainment remains the core goal, the psychological parallels with gambling are undeniable. Critics argue that these mini-games act as a gateway, especially for younger audiences, subtly promoting real gambling habits long before legal age.

The Legal and Regulatory Response

The legal response to in-game gambling mechanics has varied globally, with some governments classifying certain features as a form of gambling and others remaining hands-off. Belgium and the Netherlands are among the most aggressive, banning loot boxes altogether unless they meet strict transparency requirements. Their legislation cites consumer protection and youth mental health as primary motivators.

In the UK, the Gambling Commission has repeatedly reviewed loot boxes and other game mechanics but has stopped short of declaring them outright gambling. However, public pressure and lobbying from responsible gaming groups have led to increasing scrutiny. The House of Lords suggested in 2020 that loot boxes should be regulated under gambling laws, a recommendation that remains under active consideration.

Australia and Germany have also begun enacting measures requiring publishers to disclose odds and restrict access to gambling-style content for younger players. While the legislation often lags behind innovation, the trend is clear: developers will likely face tighter restrictions and be held accountable for the gambling-like nature of their mechanics.

Industry’s Response and Ethical Shifts

In response to growing concerns, some developers have taken voluntary steps to address ethical considerations. Electronic Arts, for example, introduced a “pack probability” disclosure for its FIFA Ultimate Team loot boxes, offering transparency regarding player chances. However, many believe such measures are insufficient unless backed by enforceable legislation.

Rockstar Games, despite the success of GTA Online’s casino feature, has placed regional restrictions based on local gambling laws. This shows a willingness to comply but also illustrates how lucrative these features remain. For many studios, in-game gambling features represent a significant revenue stream, especially when monetised through microtransactions.

There’s also a shift toward player education. Some games now include warning labels and encourage responsible play. However, industry critics argue that more robust measures are needed, including spending caps, session time tracking, and strict age verification. These changes reflect a growing awareness within the gaming industry about its social responsibility.

How In-Game Gambling Influences Real-World Behaviour

The presence of gambling mini-games in mainstream video games doesn’t just affect how players engage with digital entertainment—it shapes their perceptions of real-world casinos and gambling activities. For many, these virtual experiences serve as a form of early exposure, often introducing complex gambling mechanics in a familiar and low-risk environment.

This early exposure can lead to normalisation. Players accustomed to betting chips in Red Dead Redemption or spinning slots in GTA may develop a skewed understanding of risk and reward. The lack of financial consequences in games fails to convey the dangers of real-world gambling, such as addiction or monetary loss, leading to overly optimistic attitudes toward casino play.

Furthermore, the marketing of such mini-games often glorifies gambling, linking it to status, success, or in-game progression. For example, GTA Online allows players to unlock exclusive content by gambling more—an incentive structure that mimics real-life loyalty schemes in casinos. Over time, these messages can subtly influence user behaviour and drive interest in actual gambling platforms.

Implications for the Future of Game Design

As player awareness grows and legislative pressure mounts, developers will likely need to reconsider the inclusion and design of gambling mini-games. Future trends may lean towards more transparent and responsible implementation, such as clear age gating, optional content filtering, and financial caps for in-game purchases.

Game designers are increasingly collaborating with psychologists and behavioural economists to understand the broader impact of their systems. This collaboration may foster healthier game design practices, preventing overreliance on high-risk monetisation tactics and ensuring a balance between engagement and responsibility.

Ultimately, the gaming industry faces a crucial choice: whether to continue leveraging gambling-like systems for profit or to innovate in ways that protect player well-being. The coming years will determine how video games influence perceptions of gambling and whether they can evolve to become more ethical entertainment platforms.