The Diamond Casino and Resort update went live in Grand Theft Auto V Online just a few days ago, bringing a host of new content to players. Players are able to relax in a customizable luxury penthouse, complete new missions and races, purchase new items from the Casino Store, and of course, gamble. However, it seems that the gambling feature is restricted by country based on local gambling laws.
Players in restricted countries were able to enter the casino once the update dropped on July 23, but were unable to purchase the in-game currency required to play games of chance, according to users on Reddit. Those who have tried receive error codes when attempting to purchase credits. The casino update info page on Rockstar’s website states that players can gamble on games such as roulette, poker, blackjack, and slot machines, though makes no mention of the restrictions.
Reddit user SlapshotTommy, with help from fellow Redditors and Wizard Slots, has compiled list of countries where the gambling feature in the Diamond Casino will not work, including China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, amongst many others. While online gambling is legal for the most part in the United States and therefore causes no issues with the GTA Online casino, gambling is illegal in Utah and Hawaii. According to the post, however, the Diamond Casino reportedly still works as intended in those states despite the purported prohibition.
Some users have resorted to the use of VPNs to mask their location, allowing them to utilize the gambling feature. It should be mentioned that utilizing a VPN to bypass the gambling restriction could result in disciplinary action from Rockstar, or worse, legal action in your country if you’re using it to skirt gambling laws. While the use of a VPN to access the new features may be tempting, it should definitely not be attempted.