It’s one of the biggest updates which Rockstar has put out for its big-money title. Grand Theft Auto V may be approaching its sixth anniversary but that hasn’t stopped its developers from adding to the game. Rockstar has put out a whole host of updates and new features into the hugely popular GTA Online mode. Now, the latest one has arrived in the form of the Diamond Casino & Resort update. It introduces a brand new casino to the city.

It’s a long way from the early days of GTA. Back in 1997, the Scottish video game studio DMA Design Limited released Grand Theft Auto. It was a foul-mouthed, top-down 2d video game which went on to sell over 3 million units. Two hugely successful sequels followed as DMA Design became Rockstar North. Grand Theft Auto Vice City, San Andreas, and IV were all enormously popular but things truly exploded in 2013.

Grand Theft Auto V changed the game for Rockstar. The 2013 title has sold over 110 million units across multiple generations of consoles since then. Michael, Trevor, and Franklin have proven to be lasting characters in the single-player mode but GTA V’s popularity is largely down to its online feature.

Grand Theft Auto V is the most profitable entertainment product of all time, thanks largely to its online mode. GTA Online is said to have over 70 million players and with that comes profit. Rockstar has seized upon this with a number of major updates to keep the game fresh in the last six years. The Online Heists and After Hours updates both proved hugely popular and Rockstar will be hoping that Diamond Casino & Resort follows a similar story.

‘Today marks the grand opening of The Diamond Casino & Resort,’ reads Rockstar’s statement.

‘A sprawling entertainment and luxury living complex conveniently located in Vinewood and open to all citizens of Southern San Andreas. 

‘At the heart and soul of The Diamond is your enjoyment, whether you’re meeting with friends for an array of activities or finding peace of mind in your personal Penthouse Spa, The Diamond is here to spoil you.’

Of course, this new update does include everything you’d expect from a regular casino. Players can take part in all sorts of games like Blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots using the casino’s house chips. From there, players can redeem all sorts of in-game items from their hard-earned chips.

The feature walks a tightrope with online gambling law with the GTA Online casino unavailable altogether in some territories. Users can purchase in-game currency using real currency and then convert that to gambling chips. However, players cannot cash out the casino chips into real currency. In order to play games for real cash, users would need to visit an online casino like Betway.

But the update includes so much more. The Diamond Casino & Resort update introduces a new Master Penthouse to the game, the most opulent living space in GTA Online. It comes complete with valet and aircraft concierge, as well as providing access to high-stakes tables at the casino. Players can add additional rooms like a media room, bar, or spa to their base model at a premium. However, this penthouse is free to players with a Twitch Prime membership.

This massive update also introduces new in-game characters. Tao Cheng and the Cheng Family Dynasty run the Vinewood Casino. Head of Operations Agatha Baker is vying to stop a hostile takeover by the Duggans, ‘a ruthless Texan petrochemical family seeking to expand their business by any means necessary.’ Players can go to Baker for special missions to work their way up The Diamond Program and unlock new rewards.

Of course, this update comes with a tonne of other features. New vehicles such as the Annis S80RR and Enus Paragon R have been added along with over 400 new items of clothing and six new player actions. Rockstar has also hidden 54 playing card collectables across Los Santos. Exclusive rewards for both GTA Online and Red Dead Online await any player who collects every one of them.

It’s a vast and detailed update. GTA Online players have been eagerly awaiting the introduction of the Vinewood Casino and finally, they have their wish. The casino itself is vastly detailed with tonnes of new features to explore and purchase. The introduction of actual gambling will please many but various laws will restrict some players. Overall, it is one of the best major updates Rockstar have put out. It is part of the reason why GTA Online is still so popular six years on.