There’s nothing quite like playing games – and some of our favorite games even allow us to play games within games! Whether it’s a hardcore RPG or a fun and goofy platformer, games have long featured real-world gaming venues like casinos in their fictional worlds.
Casinos are wonderful in their diversity, hosting all kinds of games from slots to roulette, and fantasy worlds only broaden the options to an even greater degree. Because we love all things gaming, we thought we’d take a look back at four of the best casinos in gaming history. If we miss any, do let us know in the comments below!
Casino Delfino (Super Mario Sunshine)
Even the moustachioed plumber grandfather of gaming himself needs a break sometimes! When Mario finds himself on Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine, he goes through a bunch of 3D platforming levels from rolling hills to built-up harbours. One such location he must explore on his quest to save the day (and the island from Shadow Mario) is Hotel Delfino, home to none other than the legendary Casino Delfino!
To access the Secret of Casino Delfino’s Shine Sprite, Mario must first score triple sevens on the slot machines hosted by the Casino, before making his way over to a tile puzzle that leads to a Warp Pipe and an obstacle course to secure the Shine Sprite. If you want to try your hand at casino machines, maybe try the Starburst slot machine for social casino!
The Gold Saucer (Final Fantasy VII)
Final Fantasy VII is a legendary game for many reasons, with its iconic story taking us through many equally iconic locales. Outside of the city of Midgar, players eventually run into the Gold Saucer, an extraordinarily lavish hub of real-world gaming, and a key part of Cloud Strife’s quest to defeat Sephiroth.
Whilst the amusement park is home to many games, the most famous one is likely Chocobo Racing. Since the game released in 1997, fans new and old have got lost on the Chocobo race tracks of the Gold Saucer in between main story objectives – but hey, the Reunion can wait just a little longer right?
Casino of Envy (Persona 5)
Perhaps the most elaborate of all casinos listed here, the Casino of Envy is a Palace created by Sae Niijima in Persona 5, existing within the Metaverse that hides the truth and intentions within the hearts of humans. It’s a complex place contextually within the story, and its bright and bustling physical appearance matches this entirely.
Out of all the Palaces found in Persona 5, the Casino of Envy has a vital role in being the first one players encounter during the intro of the game. This beginning mission serves to tease the player into where the cast of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts will end up in future, with the gameplay then flashing forwards and backwards in time until you get to play through the entire events of the Casino of Envy in all their glory.
New Vegas Strip (Fallout: New Vegas)
War never changes, and neither does humanity’s love to play slots. Whilst much of the USA was destroyed during the events leading up to the Fallout franchise, the main strip of Las Vegas was saved, thanks to the wealthy businessman Robert House who calls the city home managing to mitigate the disaster in the area.
In the desolate wasteland the land now exists within, it’s heavily guarded by Securitrons and New California Republic soldiers. The city is home to many mysteries and secrets that unfold over the course of Fallout: New Vegas, and may also play a key role in the next season of Prime Video’s Fallout streaming series after it appeared as a tease at the end of season one.
And that’s our list of four of the best casinos in gaming! Whilst the worlds they exist in may vary, humanity will always find themselves yearning to play games, both in the real world and within the video games we escape into! Did we miss any significant ones? Let us know in the comments below.
