Quick Answer
To start the Diamond Casino Heist in GTA Online, you must first own a high-end apartment (specifically one of the 10 designated Eclipse Towers, Richards Majestic, etc., or a Stilt Apartment) or a Facility. However, the most direct method is to purchase an Arcade Property from the Maze Bank Foreclosures website. Once owned, enter your Arcade’s basement to access the planning board. You will then receive a call from Lester Crest, who will guide you through the initial setup. The heist is available after completing a few prerequisite missions, including “The Fleeca Job” and “The Prison Break” as a leader or crew member. Note: This guide focuses solely on the in-game mechanics; it does not endorse real-money gambling, which is strictly regulated under Australian law.
Prerequisites for Starting the Heist
Before you can launch the Diamond Casino Heist, you must meet these in-game requirements:
- Rank Requirement: You need to be at least Rank 1 (no minimum, but you must have completed the tutorial).
- Previous Heists: Complete “The Fleeca Job” and “The Prison Break” as either a leader or a crew member. These are part of the original Heists update.
- Property Purchase: Buy an Arcade. The cheapest option is the Pixel Pete’s Arcade in Paleto Bay (approx. $1.2 million), but more expensive ones (e.g., Videogeddon in La Mesa) offer better proximity to the casino and easier access for setups.
- Phone Call from Lester: After purchasing the Arcade, you will receive a call from Lester. He will instruct you to visit the planning board in the Arcade’s basement. This triggers the first prep mission, “The Diamond Casino Heist – Scope Out.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting the Heist
1. Buy an Arcade Property
Open your in-game phone, go to the internet browser, and select Maze Bank Foreclosures. Scroll to the “Arcades” section. Choose any location. After purchase, you will receive an email from Lester with instructions.
2. Scope Out the Casino
Enter your Arcade’s basement and interact with the planning board. This triggers the “Scope Out” mission. You must visit the Diamond Casino & Resort in-person (equipped with a camera from the Arcade). Take photos of specific areas: the main entrance, the vault door, the security room, and the casino floor. This unlocks the heist’s approach options and target loot.
3. Choose Your Approach
After scoping, you can select one of three main approaches from the planning board:
- The Big Con: Disguise as security or maintenance staff. Requires prep missions for disguises and access cards.
- The Silent & Sneaky Approach: Stealth-focused. Requires EMPs, silenced weapons, and hacking devices.
- The Aggressive Approach: Full frontal assault. Requires heavy weapons, armor, and tunnel drills.
Each approach has unique prep missions and payout multipliers. You can also choose optional “crew” members (e.g., hacker, driver, gunman) who affect difficulty and cut percentages.
4. Complete Required Prep Missions
The heist board will display a list of required prep missions. These include:
- Vault Keycards: Steal keycards from specific locations (e.g., the casino, a hotel).
- Vault Drill: Acquire a drill to open the vault (for Aggressive approach).
- Hacking Device: Steal a laptop or fingerprint cloner (for Silent & Sneaky approach).
- Disguises: Infiltrate the casino to grab uniforms (for Big Con approach).
- Exit Vehicles: Steal getaway cars or helicopters.
You can complete these missions solo or with up to three other players. Some missions are easier with a team, but all are doable alone if you are skilled.
5. Launch the Heist
Once all required prep missions are completed, return to the planning board. Select “Start Heist.” You will be prompted to choose a crew (if playing with friends) or launch as a solo player (though the heist requires at least two players total—you can use random matchmaking). Lester will call you with final instructions. Drive to the casino’s designated entry point (e.g., back alley, sewer tunnel, or main entrance) to begin the finale.
Australian Laws and Real-Money Gambling Considerations
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), it is illegal for unlicensed offshore operators to offer real-money casino games to Australian residents. GTA Online’s Diamond Casino Heist is a purely fictional, in-game activity involving virtual currency (GTA$). It does not involve real money, nor does it simulate real-world gambling in a way that violates the IGA. However, Rockstar Games’ “Diamond Casino & Resort” update (2019) introduced virtual slot machines, poker, and horse racing that use in-game currency. While these are not real-money gambling, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has previously warned about “loot boxes” and simulated gambling in video games. The IGA does not directly ban these features, but parents and players should be aware that such mechanics can normalize gambling behaviors.
Key Takeaways for Australian Players
- In-Game Only: The Diamond Casino Heist is a PvE (player versus environment) activity using virtual currency (GTA$). It is not real-money gambling.
- Legal Context: The IGA 1997 prohibits unlicensed real-money online casinos, but GTA Online’s heist is exempt as it involves no real financial risk or reward.
- Risk Awareness: While the heist itself is safe, the casino’s gambling mini-games (e.g., slot machines, blackjack) use in-game money that can be purchased with real cash (Shark Cards). This blurs the line between virtual and real-world gambling. The Australian eSafety Commissioner recommends setting spending limits if you buy Shark Cards.
- No Real Money Involved: You cannot withdraw GTA$ for real currency. All earnings are purely for in-game use.
- Responsible Play: If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, contact Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or Lifeline (13 11 14). These services are free and confidential for Australians.
By following this guide, you can successfully start and complete the Diamond Casino Heist without any legal or financial concerns. Enjoy the virtual heist—but always keep real-world gambling risks in mind.