When is gta online casino coming out?

Quick Answer

The GTA Online Casino, officially known as The Diamond Casino & Resort, was released on July 23, 2019. This major content update for Grand Theft Auto Online introduced a fully interactive casino environment, including gambling mini-games, a penthouse, and a high-stakes storyline. However, for Australian players, the situation is more complex due to the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA 1997), which restricts access to certain gambling features in the game. This article explains the release date, the casino’s mechanics, and how Australian laws affect your experience.

What Is the GTA Online Casino?

The Diamond Casino & Resort is a virtual casino located in the heart of Los Santos, the fictional city in GTA Online. It allows players to participate in gambling activities using in-game currency (GTA$), such as:

• Slot Machines – Various themed slot games with different payout rates.
• Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, three-card poker, and inside track betting.
• Lucky Wheel – A daily free spin for prizes, including vehicles and cash.
• Horse Racing – Virtual horse racing with betting options.
• Penthouse and Missions – A luxury penthouse and narrative-driven casino heist missions.

The update also introduced a Casino Storyline where players assist the casino’s owner, Ms. Baker, in dealing with rival criminal organizations. Importantly, all gambling is conducted with GTA$, which can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money via Shark Cards (microtransactions).

Release Date and Availability

The Diamond Casino & Resort was released on July 23, 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It was later included in the Expanded & Enhanced versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (released March 2022). Rockstar Games had teased the casino for years, with earlier attempts (e.g., the “Vinewood Casino” in GTA Online’s 2013 launch) being blocked due to legal and technical issues. The 2019 release was a fully realized version, complete with licensed music, detailed interiors, and multiplayer compatibility.

Australian Laws and the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA)

For Australian players, the GTA Online Casino is subject to the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA 1997), which regulates online gambling services. Key points relevant to the game:

• Prohibition on “Casino-style” Games: The IGA 1997 bans Australian-based providers from offering “casino-style” games (e.g., slots, roulette, blackjack) to Australian residents. However, GTA Online is developed by Rockstar Games (USA) and hosted on international servers. The IGA primarily targets operators, not players, meaning players are not legally penalized for accessing such content from overseas providers.
• In-Game Currency and Microtransactions: The IGA 1997 focuses on “real money” gambling. In GTA Online, gambling uses GTA$, which can be bought with real money. This creates a grey area: while the gambling itself is virtual, the purchase of Shark Cards to fund it could be seen as a form of “consideration” (payment) for a chance to win in-game prizes. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has not explicitly ruled on this, but it has warned against “simulated gambling” in games accessible to minors.
• Age Restrictions: GTA Online is rated R18+ in Australia for strong violence, language, and gambling themes. The IGA 1997 does not directly regulate age verification for overseas games, but Australian retailers and digital platforms (e.g., Steam, PlayStation Store) enforce age checks. Players under 18 cannot legally purchase or play the game.
• Regional Restrictions: In some countries (e.g., Belgium, Netherlands), the casino was removed or heavily modified due to local gambling laws. However, Australia has not forced Rockstar to alter the game. As of 2025, the full casino remains accessible to Australian players on all platforms.

How Australian Players Can Access the Casino

To play the GTA Online Casino in Australia, follow these steps:

1. Purchase GTA V – The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Games Launcher). Ensure you have an active internet connection for GTA Online.
2. Update the Game – The casino content is included in the standard game updates (no additional purchase required, though the penthouse costs GTA$).
3. Visit the Casino – In GTA Online, the casino is marked on the map. Walk through the main entrance to access the lobby, then use the elevator to reach the casino floor.
4. Use GTA$ for Gambling – You can earn GTA$ through missions, heists, or buy Shark Cards (real money). Note that gambling is purely for entertainment; you cannot withdraw real money.

Be aware that VPNs are not recommended to bypass any restrictions, as they may violate Rockstar’s terms of service. Additionally, the ACMA has not issued specific guidance on GTA Online, but players should be mindful of the IGA’s intent to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling harm.

Key Takeaways for Australian Players

• Release Date: The GTA Online Casino launched globally on July 23, 2019, and is fully available in Australia.
• Legal Status: The IGA 1997 does not prohibit Australian players from accessing the casino, as it targets operators, not users. However, the use of real money to buy in-game currency for gambling exists in a legal grey area.
• No Real-Money Withdrawals: All winnings are in GTA$ and cannot be converted to real currency. This means the casino is classified as “simulated gambling” under Australian law, which is not explicitly illegal but is discouraged for minors.
• Age Restrictions: The game is R18+ in Australia. Playing under 18 is illegal, and parents should monitor access due to gambling themes.
• No Regional Restrictions: Unlike some European countries, Australia has not demanded modifications to the casino. You can play all features, including slots, table games, and the Lucky Wheel.
• Responsible Gaming: While the casino is virtual, spending real money on Shark Cards to fund gambling can lead to financial loss. Treat it as entertainment, not a way to make money.

In summary, the GTA Online Casino is a permanent feature of the game, and Australian players can enjoy it freely under current laws. However, always stay informed about potential changes to the IGA 1997, as the ACMA continues to monitor simulated gambling in video games. For the latest updates, check official Rockstar News or the ACMA website.