For many years the entrance to the GTA Online casino was firmly barricaded, to the point where players rightly speculated that the "Opening Soon" sign at the doors was nothing more than a cruel ruse. Thankfully, those fears were finally proven unfounded in July 2019, when the Diamond Casino & Resort staged a gala launch and the downtown Vinewood area of GTA Online was transformed by the addition of this business. The GTA Online casino allows you to trade GTA$ cash for casino chips, which you can then gamble on slot machines, virtual horse races, and a variety of table games including Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette.

If gambling isn't for you then there's still plenty of other activities linked to the GTA Online casino to take part in, including a fresh series of story missions based on protecting the casino from a destructive gang of investors, lots of new GTA Online casino cars to add to your garages, a Penthouse suite that you can decorate as you see fit, plus an extensive casino heist to plan and carry out.

Players had been trying to get inside the GTA Online casino since the game first launched back in 2013, with many rumour, hoaxes, and fan theories circulating about what's being going on inside, so it's very exciting to see that perennial "Opening Soon" sign has finally been removed. Here's everything we know about the GTA Online casino.

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When did the GTA Online casino open

The Diamond Casino & ResortGrand Opening next week July 23 in the heart of Los SantosVisit https://t.co/hIeIx2zf0I to see more details on what The Diamond has to offer, including Penthouse comforts, membership perks, and so much more. pic.twitter.com/gVZlY8F6LbJuly 18, 2019

The GTA Online casino finally opened on July 23, 2019. Why has it taken so long to finally open the doors? There are a few theories out there, including Rockstar potentially wanting to avoid uproar about players gambling away their real cash on virtual games by introducing a second currency to GTA Online that can't be bought with real money – Chips are used as currency within the casino, which can be obtained from the Cashier in limited quantities. It's likely that the recent introduction of poker gambling to Red Dead Online was used to test the waters for GTA Online, but hopefully this provided the data they needed to make the casino work.

What games can you play in the GTA Online casino

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Unsurprisingly, you can play Roulette, Blackjack, and Three Card Poker in the GTA Online casino, going up against the house using the new Chips currency. There are also Slot Machines themed around various entertainment properties from the GTA world such as Twilight Knife and Impotent Rage, and the Inside Track where you can gamble on virtual horse racing. On top of all that, there's the Lucky Wheel you can spin to win prizes including Chips, cash, clothing, or even a high-end supercar if you get really lucky.

What else is on offer at the GTA Online casino

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

By investing in a VIP membership to the GTA Online casino, you'll unlock all sorts of perks including valet parking for your vehicle, an aircraft concierge on the rooftop helipad, a limo service to take you anywhere free of charge, access to the VIP lounge, plus high limit tables to really up the stakes if you've got Chips to burn. To obtain VIP membership, you'll need to purchase a Master Penthouse suite at The Diamond, so let's hope you've got enough GTA$ in the bank.

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

These Penthouses above the GTA Online casino are the pinnacle of luxury, and are completely customisable to meet your partying needs. As well as an opulent master bedroom with access to the Roof Terrace, complete with breathtaking views and an infinity pool, you'll be able to upgrade to install a private Spa complete with personal stylist, a Media Room to watch movies in comfort, and a Bar area that comes with a set of retro arcade machines to play on.

Perhaps more importantly though, purchasing a Master Penthouse gets you into the casino business, opening up a whole new set of missions to help the owner and staff protect your investment. You'll receive a special award the first time you complete each of these missions, and finishing the entire story as host will unlock a much sought after vehicle for free. Additional work will be available via the casino's Head of Operations, which will earn you Chips as well as cash.

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You can also check out our predictions for GTA 6 in the video below: