08/17/2025
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has been one of the most popular video games worldwide since its release in 2013. But it’s not just the main story or open-world chaos that keeps players engaged — it’s GTA Online, the multiplayer mode, that has created an enormous, evolving gaming community.
In July 2019, Rockstar Games added one of its most controversial and exciting features to GTA Online: The Diamond Casino & Resort. For players in the Netherlands and beyond, this virtual casino offers an in-game gambling experience unlike any other — complete with slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, and horse racing, all set inside a luxurious virtual venue.
In this article, we explore how the GTA Online Casino works, its appeal for Dutch players, the legal and cultural context, and the entertainment (and challenges) it brings.
The Diamond Casino & Resort is located in the heart of Los Santos, the fictional city in GTA V modeled after Los Angeles. It functions as an entertainment and lifestyle hub where players can:
This addition turned GTA Online into not just a crime or action game, but also a social and leisure experience.
Here’s how it functions:
✅ Chips, Not Real Money — Players use in-game currency (GTA$) to buy casino chips, which they then use to gamble. You can purchase GTA$ with real-world money via Shark Cards, but chips themselves cannot be converted back into real money.
✅ Available Games —
✅ Missions and Events — Players who own a casino penthouse can access special co-op missions and VIP content.
For players in the Netherlands, the Diamond Casino offers:
Given the Netherlands’ strict gambling regulations, the casino offers Dutch gamers a way to enjoy gambling-style fun purely as entertainment, without the risks associated with real-money gambling.
It’s important to understand that the Diamond Casino exists in a legal gray zone, but it’s not considered real gambling. Here’s why:
However, like in many European countries, there has been public debate over whether virtual gambling (including loot boxes and casino games in video games) normalizes gambling behavior among young players. Dutch authorities have paid increasing attention to games that mix real-money microtransactions with gambling-like mechanics.
Yes — Dutch players can fully access the Diamond Casino in GTA Online. Unlike in some countries (like Belgium), where certain gambling-related features have been restricted due to local laws, Rockstar Games has not geo-blocked the casino in the Netherlands. Players can:
However, it’s important to remember:
Benefits:
Fun and immersive gaming experience
No real-money risk of losing savings
Chance to socialize and complete new missions
Enjoyment of gambling-like entertainment without entering a real casino
Drawbacks:
⚠ Can encourage time-consuming grinding for chips
⚠ Players might be tempted to spend real money on Shark Cards
⚠ Potential normalization of gambling behavior for younger players
⚠ Frustration over game mechanics favoring RNG (random luck)
Understand it’s just a game — The casino is meant for fun, not profit.
Avoid overspending on Shark Cards — Focus on earning chips through gameplay.
Set time limits — Don’t let casino games take over your GTA Online sessions.
If under 18, avoid gambling content — Stick to the action, racing, or mission elements of the game.
The Netherlands has been proactive in regulating online gambling, including the recent legalization of real-money online casinos under KSA supervision. There is growing discussion around:
For now, the Diamond Casino remains part of GTA Online’s virtual entertainment, but players should stay informed about public debates and any changes in game regulations.
For Dutch players, the Diamond Casino & Resort in GTA Online offers a unique virtual space to experience gambling-style entertainment safely and legally — all inside one of the world’s most popular games. While it doesn’t involve real-money payouts, it carries the same allure, excitement, and risks of spending time and in-game resources chasing luck.
As with any gaming experience, moderation is key. Dutch players can enjoy everything the GTA Online casino has to offer by staying informed, playing responsibly, and remembering that at the end of the day, it’s just a game — meant for fun, not fortune.