Gambling and video games are two worlds that seem to fit together perfectly as they share a lot of similarities. This is why it makes sense that they would join forces at times. Balatro is an example of a gambling-inspired video game that has surged in popularity in the last year, with over 40,000 people playing the game simultaneously at its peak following its release in February 2024! In this article, I will explore this phenomenon along with some other gambling-inspired video games and what this means for players as well as what the future might look like for these merged genres.
What is Balatro?
At first glance, Balatro looks like your average table game or a classic card game like poker. However, there’s no real betting or money involved, which appeals to gaming fans who are seeking the thrill of gambling without any of the associated risks involved. Instead, this game focuses on building a series of fun card combinations and racking up a certain number of points on the scoreboard. Ultimately, you won’t win or lose any real money — only the game rounds.
The graphics are cutting-edge with amazing visual effects and elements that combine action-packed video game mechanics with a poker-style setting. Players have taken to this popular game well, as it’s easy to learn and every game feels unique as the upgrades are constantly changing, which keeps things fresh and exciting. It’s similar to poker in that it’s a game of chance that requires a little skill, strategy, and decision-making, which makes it more challenging. You’ll need to be able to calculate the odds as well to determine the best possible hand if you want to reach the end of the game.
The evolution of gambling in video games
Video games and casino games were once two very different things; however, as time went on, video game developers soon realized that they could improve the gaming experience and attract a wider audience by incorporating gambling elements into their offerings.
One notable example includes the well-known video game brand Nintendo and their game Super Mario 2, which was hugely popular when it was released in 1988. When each level in this game is completed, you are presented with a slot machine where you can spin the fun Super Mario-themed reels to win a virtual prize, such as a mushroom, extra lives, or an invincibility star. Anyone who’s played a round of Mario Kart will know how helpful these could be!
Casino Kid 1 and 2 are two more retro video games launched in 1989 and 1993, respectively, and although there’s no real gambling involved in either game, they are slightly controversial titles. The themes of these games center around the main character, a child who wants to be the world’s best gambler, with games like poker and blackjack featured throughout.
Part of the huge success of gambling-inspired video games is partially due to technological advancements over the years. By implementing the latest graphics and trends, game developers were able to make these games even more interesting and engaging than ever before.
By the mid-2000s, big-name video games targeted at the 18+ demographic, such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, added mini side games like poker, roulette, and blackjack within the main game. This added an element of variety, excitement, and an almost real-world-like gambling experience in between high-speed car chases and special missions.
Then came the launch of smartphones, which revolutionized the gaming and gambling industry forever. With these pocket devices, players had easy access to slots, poker, and a large range of video game titles right in the palm of their hand. This allowed gamers to play their favorites either at home or on the go. Live dealer casino games also became favorable, as users were able to interact and chat with dealers in real time as if they were at a physical casino, making games like these more accessible for all.
Gambling versus gaming
The success of gambling-inspired games like Balatro illustrates how in demand the merging of gambling and video gaming is. While traditional gambling is often tied to financial risks, video games give players the chance to enjoy the same thrills without the potential financial consequences.
The unpredictable nature of gambling is what makes it so exciting, and video games like Balatro can deliver that same feeling of exhilaration experienced when playing at a regular casino. Video games that imitate gambling often use the same strategies and tactics as real casinos. They mirror the same thought patterns that a poker player would experience, such as deciding on the best time to place a bet or when they should fold.
Much of this same formula is used in Balatro, as players need to think carefully about every move they make. Slot-influenced games also include a lot of multiplayer features that aren’t normally used at brick-and-mortar casino establishments. This gives online players the chance to play and interact with a variety of people around the globe. This social aspect adds a new dimension to the game, making for a much livelier environment — even if the player is alone in their living room at home.
Legal and ethical considerations
The introduction of certain gambling features in video games has led to many debates around video game ethics. While many of these games use elements such as chance, risk, and reward, there’s no real money involved, and they’re not classified as gambling.
They do however fall into a grey area, as they are seen by some as a slippery slope to normalizing gambling habits for underage users. Research shows that teenagers who play simulation gambling games are more likely to develop gambling problems as adults in later life. So, while these video games are harmless and safe for the most part, they may cause issues for those who are prone to addictive behaviors further down the line.
Although no official legislation has been introduced to combat these potential risks, the UK Gambling Commission has advised that any gambling-like features in video games do need to be monitored closely by parents and guardians.
Parental controls are encouraged on mobile and tablet devices in some cases. This has become especially important due to the rise of microtransactions and loot boxes in online games, as players can use real money for randomly determined virtual items.
These games should also have warnings that notify users how these gambling simulations can be detrimental to young players. Ethical and thoughtful game design is a key strategy used by many game developers to avoid promoting compulsive behavior in these types of games.
Looking to the future
What’s next for gambling-inspired video games?
So, what’s next? As technology continues to advance with time, I believe that it’s more than likely that we’ll see a lot more of these types of games that incorporate gambling elements into video games.
Some may even include more interactive and social features that will advance this genre to a whole new level, like fully immersive worlds with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (VR) being added, which will offer players a unique and stimulating entertainment experience. Imagine being able to walk into a virtual world that you’ve created, and playing games like Balatro while interacting with a series of avatars or playing in poker tournaments while chatting and engaging with people in real-time in several countries.
Future gambling-inspired games could even integrate fantasy stories with fun characters in several scenarios where players can make their own choices regarding where the story will lead, which will provide a more personalized adventure.
Finally, more monitoring and research as well as increasing the awareness of addiction and risk may be required as the popularity of this genre increases to improve the safeguarding of more vulnerable individuals who enjoy these types of gambling-themed video games. As a huge fan of both the casino space and video gaming world, I’m excited to see what they come up with next, so watch this space!
Paul Portanier is a freelance writer with valuable experience in the iGaming space as well as the video gaming industry, with an extensive understanding of game mechanics and design. His dedicated approach to thorough research and accuracy and his knowledge of all things gaming-related make him a well-rounded and skilled content writer.
