Roulette is a classic game in the world of gambling. Devised in the 18th century, the wheel has been a staple of gambling establishments for over three hundred years. However, even before that, similar games that could be called precursors existed. In other words, roulette’s history dates further back than some might believe.
But, when roulette started isn’t of concern. What is impressive is that it is still so incredibly popular. Popular enough to frequently be featured in popular media, like films, television, and of course, video games. Some video games prominently feature the game, and even have mini games built around the red and black wheel. In this article, we’d like to explore the link between roulette and gaming.
Online Casinos
The first, and most obvious link between gaming and roulette is the existence of online casinos, where you can find video game versions of all the big casino games (and even some lesser-known ones). Of course, among these games, roulette is a huge success. Playing roulette online has been popular since, pretty much the inception of online casinos. However, the game’s success has only grown.
There are two major reasons for roulette’s surge in popularity. One is, of course, the general success of online casinos in the past half-a-decade. Gambling websites have become a lot safer, and the tech behind them has significantly improved. This has led to better games, better gaming options, and an overall superior experience.
The other reason for the success of online roulette is the introduction of live gambling. Live casinos are exactly what they sound like; dealers broadcasting themselves on a stream, and playing along with customers in real time. Live casinos feature several options, including blackjack and baccarat. But, roulette is among the most popular ones.
Of course, these are not the only reasons online roulette has become such a hit. We also can’t ignore the diversity of games at online casinos. For example, you may come across different variants on the classic game, such as American and French roulette, or even mini roulette. Then there are the promotional offers, the different game modes, and different betting options customers can take advantage of.
Roulette Video Games
Online casinos are great for people who want to experience the classic casino game, while still relaxing at home, or while on the go. However, what about those who want to play roulette, but don’t like the idea of wagering money on the outcome? The good news is, there are options out there for you. In fact, video game developers have created a ton of games based around the red-and-black wheel.
A very popular, indie option is the Roulette Simulator game. As the title suggests, the whole purpose of the game is to simulate a roulette experience. However, instead of wagering your own FIAT currency, you can wager in-game currency that has no real worth. It is a great way to learn a bit more about roulette, and get a taste for it, in case you decide to start playing for real.
For a horror twist on the old classic, Buckshot Roulette is an excellent choice. A relatively unknown game from indie developer Mike Klubnika, Buckshot Roulette makes use of a very creative and disturbing art style. Though, including it on this list may be cheating a bit, as the game’s primary inspiration is Russian roulette, which has nothing to do with roulette proper, outside of the name.
Over the years, there have been tons of other roulette games, built for both consoles and PC. Furthermore, there are also a lot of social online casinos, where players can enjoy classic games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, or more, without having to wager any real-world money. All the wagers are made with in-game credits, that have no real value or worth.
Final Fantasy Franchise
One of the progenitors and staples of the JRPG genre is Final Fantasy. Ever since the first Final Fantasy released in 1987, the franchise has been going strong. Square Enix, the developer behind the games, has managed to produce an engaging and enthralling series, with fans to this day. What most people enjoy about the franchise is the inclusion of anime-style fights, a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and incredible lore and world building.
In Final Fantasy VI, the world of Final Fantasy got a major addition; a giant, floating casino, where the players could try their luck, and challenge the house. Among the numerous games featured here is the roulette. The giant wheel comprised of red and black fields allows players to place in-game currency, and take a spin or two.
What is most impressive about this giant floating casino is that it left such an impression, that it has become a staple of the Final Fantasy franchise, even years later. Even as recently as Final Fantasy XV, the gambling house is included in the franchise. So, if you are a fan of JRPGs, anime, or roulette, give it a go. You’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Fallout: New Vegas
First-person shooter video games are huge. From the World War 2 grit of the early Call of Duty games, to the massive success of multiplayer FPS like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the genre has done well for itself. However, few thought about merging the FPS genre with RPG elements until Fallout 3 changed everything.
The post-apocalyptic game features lone gunmen trudging through the nuclear wasteland, hoping to find respite from the roving gangs of mutants, tyrants, and psychopaths. However, true respite can never be found. Which is why some have decided to settle in New Vegas. The success of Fallout 3 led to a spin-off game, a few years later.
Fallout: New Vegas takes place in the same 50s-style apocalyptic wasteland, where mutants roam the outskirts, and tyrants rule the city. Of course, as the city they’ve decided to take hold of is what once was Las Vegas, there are plenty of casino ruins. And where there are casinos, there is roulette.
As you would expect from a game set in Las Vegas, Fallout: New Vegas let’s you play several gambling mini games, most notable roulette. The player can take a seat next to the small wheel, and place a few bottle caps (the in-game currency of Fallout), on small wagers. If they so choose, they can also make a huge, high-risk, high-reward bet, and hope that they win it all.
Grand Theft Auto
GTA: Vice City was the first game in the, now infamous, Grand Theft Auto franchise. The story follows Tommy, a petty gangster who rises through the ranks to become the big man of the city. While iconic and revolutionary, GTA: Vice City did not feature any casino games, though it did have a number of the iconic destinations that would soon become a staple of the genre.
However, Vice City got a follow-up in San Andreas. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas follows CJ, a gangster who deals with problems in the “bad-part of town.” After completing certain missions, the player unlocks the ability to enter a casino, where CJ can go and relax over a game of roulette. Of course, the player spends in-game dollars to win in-game prizes. However, that changed with the Diamond Casino.
In GTA V, the multiplayer online version of Grand Theft Auto, players can enter the infamous Diamond Casino. There, they can place real-money wagers, in hopes of winning in-game prizes. Among the games available at the Diamond Casino is roulette, along with slots and more.
Players can win new skins, cool weapons, and fancy vehicles. However, the money they spend is real-life currency.
The Sims
The Sims remains one of the most popular and best-selling games of all time. Where it thrives is in its simplicity. The player creates a family, builds them a home, and watches as their lives unfold. Just like real-life people, the Sims can develop different traits over the course of their life. One of those tropes is a love of gambling. In Sims 3, the developers would include a way for players to experience their characters’ casino travels.
The Simoleon Casino has some pretty impressive features, and includes a whole lot of interesting mini-games. Blackjack, poker, slot machines and more are available at the Simoleon. Of course, roulette is a big deal in the virtual casino. The Sims can sit down on a red table, controlled by a copper robot, dressed as a casino official. The robot is the croupier, who will spin the wheel and take your bets.
Other than the mechanized master of the wheel, the game works just like any other roulette game. You make a wager, you strategize about the amount, and you go home when you are done. Just remember, the Sims is meant to replicate real life. And in real life, if gamblers aren’t careful, they could fall prey to problem gambling. The same could be said for the Sims characters, so if you want to make sure that your characters have a stable life, only gamble moderately.
