Hoyle Casino 2000
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Overview
Hoyle Casino 2000, also known simply as Hoyle Casino or Hoyle Casino 5, is a comprehensive casino simulation game released by Sierra On-Line in 2000 as part of the long-running Hoyle series1. Set in a realistic virtual Las Vegas environment, the game offers players the ultimate gambling experience without the financial risk, combining authentic gameplay with crisp graphics, rich sounds, and lively interactive characters2. The title represented Sierra’s continued commitment to the casual gaming market through their Hoyle brand, which had become synonymous with quality card and casino games since the late 1980s.
The game serves as a spin-off of Hoyle’s Official Book of Games series and allows players to begin with $5,000 in virtual currency to try their luck across an impressive array of casino games3. Players can choose from 25 default characters to interact with at various gaming tables, creating a social atmosphere that mimics the experience of a real casino floor4. Short of paying players off in real money, Hoyle Casino 2000 includes everything expected from the exciting world of casino gambling, making it an ideal stress-relief activity for home computer users5.
The title proved commercially successful in North America, moving over 230,000 units and generating more than $6 million in revenue within its first year4. Released across multiple platforms including Windows, Macintosh, Sega Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color, the game reached a wide audience of both dedicated PC gamers and console owners looking for a comprehensive gambling simulation3.
Game Info
Gameplay
Interface and Controls
Hoyle Casino 2000 presents players with a first-person perspective as they navigate the virtual casino floor6. The Windows and Macintosh versions support keyboard and mouse input, allowing for intuitive point-and-click control of all betting and gameplay functions3. The game features a user-friendly installation process and interface that makes it accessible to players of all skill levels, from seasoned card hounds to aspiring slot jockeys2.
The Dreamcast version supports the Jump Pack peripheral for force feedback and accommodates up to four players for multiplayer sessions7. The Game Boy Color version, developed by Pulsar Interactive, offers hot seat and turn-based multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, supporting one to two players6.
Structure and Progression
Players begin their casino adventure with $5,000 in starting capital and enter the casino with the goal of making their fortune3. The game offers remarkable depth with 8 different game categories featuring more than 350 Vegas-style variations8. The 3D casino environment provides an immersive backdrop as players move between different gaming areas8.
The title includes comprehensive tutorials that teach proper rules and strategies for each game type, making it an excellent learning tool for those unfamiliar with casino games2. Players can enter tournaments against computer-controlled opponents or take their skills online to compete against friends and family through internet or modem connections3.
Available Game Categories:
- Blackjack – Multiple table variations
- Poker – Various poker game types
- Roulette – American and European styles
- Craps – Standard dice games
- Slots – Traditional slot machines
- Video Slots – Electronic slot variations
- Video Poker – Electronic poker machines
- Baccarat – Card game variations
Games and Mechanics
The slot machines and video slots in Hoyle Casino 2000 closely replicate their real-life counterparts, described by one reviewer as “boring, repetitive, and depressing” in their faithful simulation of actual casino slot play7. The blackjack tables require players to sit at first base position with no seating choice available, a design decision that some reviewers noted as a limitation7.
The poker games feature AI opponents that can occasionally be predictable, and players who fold early must wait through the remaining gameplay before the next hand begins7. The Game Boy Color version contains a smaller selection of slot and video poker machines compared to the full computer versions, reflecting the hardware limitations of the portable platform6.
Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Hoyle Casino 2000 received generally favorable reviews upon release, with critics praising its comprehensive game selection and authentic casino atmosphere. IGN awarded the Dreamcast version an impressive 8.8 out of 10, with reviewer M Wiley stating “I can confidently recommend this title to anyone from the seasoned card hound to the aspiring slot jockey”7. The review further noted that “HC is great for anyone with a DC that wants to learn how to gamble”7.
IGN’s summary described the game as being “set in a realistic Vegas environment” that “combines great fun, endless replay, attention to rules, and user friendly installation and interface”2. The publication praised the title with the enthusiastic tagline “Roll the dice, shuffle the cards and win some dough!“9.
Modern Assessment
The game has maintained a respectable reputation among critics over the years, though the Game Boy Color version received somewhat more modest scores due to its reduced feature set.
Aggregate Scores:
- MobyGames (PC/Dreamcast/Mac): 74% (based on 8 ratings)3
- MobyGames (Game Boy Color): 62%6
- IGN: 8.8/107
Development
Origins
Hoyle Casino 2000 emerged as the fifth major installment in Sierra’s Hoyle Casino series, following the successful formula established by previous entries10. The Hoyle brand had been a cornerstone of Sierra’s casual gaming lineup, with the casino sub-series specifically targeting players interested in gambling simulations. The game was prominently featured in the Sierra Catalogue 2000-2001 as part of the Hoyle Range10.
Sierra Entertainment developed the game internally at their main studios, continuing their tradition of quality card and casino software that dated back to the original Hoyle’s Official Book of Games4. The company would maintain development of the Hoyle series until 2003, after which the franchise would be transferred to Encore, Inc.4.
Production
The development team at Sierra On-Line assembled an experienced group to create the most comprehensive Hoyle Casino experience to date. The production was led by Executive Producer Stephen H. Van Horn, with Karen Thomas serving as Producer and Robert L. Jerauld as Associate Producer3.
Development Credits:3
- Executive Producer: Stephen H. Van Horn
- Producer: Karen Thomas
- Associate Producer: Robert L. Jerauld
- Lead Engineer: Earl Malmrose
- Lead Engineer: Michael Katz
- Lead 3D Artist: Julian Love
- Composer: Evan Schiller
The Game Boy Color version was developed externally by Pulsar Interactive, a studio specializing in handheld game development6. This portable adaptation required significant redesign to accommodate the limited hardware capabilities while maintaining the core casino experience.
Technical Achievements
Hoyle Casino 2000 featured a fully realized 3D casino environment that represented a significant visual upgrade from earlier entries in the series8. The game delivered crisp graphics and rich sounds that enhanced the immersive casino atmosphere8. The Windows and Macintosh versions were distributed on CD-ROM media3.
The title supported multiple connectivity options for multiplayer gaming, including both internet and modem play, allowing players to compete against each other remotely3. This online functionality was relatively advanced for casino simulation games of the era.
Technical Specifications
Windows Version:11
- Minimum Resolution: 640x480 @ 16-bit color
- Recommended Resolution: 640x480 @ True Color
- Media: CD-ROM
- Input: Keyboard, Mouse
- Multiplayer: Internet, Modem
Game Boy Color Version:6
- Players: 1-2
- Multiplayer: Hot Seat, Game Link Cable
- ESRB Rating: Everyone
Dreamcast Version:8
- Players: 1-4
- Media: 1 game disc
- UPC: 020626710763
- Controller Support: Jump Pack compatible
Technical Issues
The PC version has a notable quirk where certain animations are skipped if no disc is detected in the drive, despite the game otherwise being DRM-free11. This means players who install the full game to their hard drive may miss some visual content unless they keep the disc inserted.
The Dreamcast version has several minor gameplay limitations noted by reviewers, including the inability to choose seating position at blackjack tables, occasionally predictable AI behavior, and the requirement to wait through other players’ turns after folding in poker games7.
Version History
| Version | Date | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | October 3, 2000 | IBM PC, Macintosh | Initial release10 |
| 1.0 | September 29, 2000 | Dreamcast | Console release7 |
| 1.0 | October 2000 | Game Boy Color | Portable release by Pulsar Interactive6 |
The game received yearly standalone updates for the following few years that added additional mini-games and slot machines to the package11.
Easter Eggs and Trivia
- The game features 25 default characters that players can choose from or play against, each with their own personality and playing style4
- The starting bankroll of $5,000 was designed to give players substantial funds to experience all aspects of the casino3
- The Dreamcast version’s support for the Jump Pack added tactile feedback to certain in-game events7
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Various Characters | Pat Cashman |
| Various Characters | Natacha LaFerrière |
| Various Characters | Cynthia Doyer |
| Various Characters | Rodney Sherwood |
Legacy
Sales and Commercial Impact
Hoyle Casino 2000 proved to be a significant commercial success for Sierra. Between January and October 2000, the game sold 230,365 units in North America alone, generating $6.15 million in revenue4. These impressive sales figures demonstrated the continued market viability of casino simulation games and validated Sierra’s ongoing investment in the Hoyle brand.
The game’s success across multiple platforms—Windows, Macintosh, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color—showed that gambling simulations could appeal to a broad audience beyond traditional PC gamers4. The strong performance helped ensure the continuation of the Hoyle Casino series for years to come.
Collections
Hoyle Casino 2000 was marketed as part of Sierra’s broader Hoyle lineup, appearing alongside other Hoyle titles in company catalogs and promotional materials10. The game established the template for future annual releases in the series, which would continue under different developers after Sierra’s involvement ended in 20034.
Subsequent Releases
Sierra Entertainment continued developing Hoyle Casino titles until 2003, after which the franchise transferred to Encore, Inc., who published versions from 2005 through 20164. The 2007 version developed by Encore was notably plagued by a bug where the game would freeze for 30 seconds after placing a bet in card games—an issue Encore was unable to fix, though it was eventually resolved in Hoyle Casino 20084.
Critical Perspective
Hoyle Casino 2000 represents an important milestone in the evolution of casual gaming software during the early 2000s. As one of Sierra’s flagship casual titles, it demonstrated that there was a substantial market for gambling simulations that offered entertainment value without real financial stakes. The game’s emphasis on tutorials and learning tools helped introduce countless players to casino games they might have been too intimidated to try in real establishments.
The multi-platform release strategy employed for Hoyle Casino 2000 was relatively ambitious for a casino simulation game of its era. While the Game Boy Color version necessarily offered a reduced experience, the Dreamcast port showed that console audiences were receptive to gambling titles, paving the way for future casino games on home consoles.
Downloads
Purchase / Digital Stores
- Not currently available on digital storefronts
- GOG Dreamlist – Vote for re-release
Download / Preservation
Retail (Sealed/Used)
Series Continuity
Hoyle Casino 2000 (also designated Hoyle Casino 5) represents the fifth major entry in Sierra’s Hoyle Casino sub-series, which itself spun off from the broader Hoyle’s Official Book of Games franchise4. The game built upon the foundation of previous casino titles while expanding the game selection to over 350 variations and introducing enhanced 3D graphics8. The series would continue with annual releases, eventually transitioning from Sierra’s development to Encore, Inc. after 20034.
- Previous: 1999 - Hoyle Casino
- Next: 2001 - Hoyle Casino
References
Footnotes
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Internet Archive – Hoyle Casino 2000 – basic catalog information, upload date ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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IGN – Hoyle Casino Reviews – review summary, gameplay description ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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MobyGames – Hoyle Casino – development credits, technical specifications, voice cast, ratings ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14
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Wikipedia – Hoyle Casino – sales data, platforms, series history, bug information ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13
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Never Die Media – Hoyle Casino 2000 – product description, platform information ↩ ↩2
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MobyGames – Hoyle Casino (Game Boy Color) – GBC version details, developer, ratings ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
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IGN – Hoyle Casino Dreamcast Review – detailed review, score, gameplay critique ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
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PriceCharting – Hoyle Casino – game description, technical specs ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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IGN – Hoyle Casino Game Page – game summary, review score ↩
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Sierra Chest – Hoyle Casino 5 – release dates, catalog reference ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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PCGamingWiki – Hoyle Casino (2000) – technical specifications, DRM information, version history ↩ ↩2 ↩3