Gambling System

Here are some ideas I had for a set of gambling rules for D&D Fifth Edition. I can’t decide whether to call a gambling event an encounter, and have one or more monsters that the PCS try to defeat, or something more skill based. I suppose it’s a mish mash of both ideas, but I’ll try it out and hopefully refine it a bit after I’ve actually used it.

Each character buys into a gambling event with a certain amount of money. Once that is done, they are in the encounter, and either lose it all, or win big. Either way, when the event is over, they emerge from the encounter with some XP.

Each character can choose which ability score to be their primary for the event. In some games, certain abilities won’t make any difference, so it’s up to the GM to decide if strength helps in poker for example.

Armour Class: Usually 10 + wisdom modifier.

Hit points: The amount of money you bought in with

Attack roll: 1d20 + prof (if proficient in gaming set) + primary ability modifier

Damage: 1/1d4 + primary ability mod

Hits reduce the target’s hit points and add the same amount of temporary hitpoints to the attacker’s hitpoints

Actions: attack, cast a spell, play safe (the next attack on you has disadvantage), cash out (immune for the next round, then you’re out), maneuver.

Initiative: rolled each round, use intelligence instead of dexterity

Maneuvers: stack the deck (give advantage to another player’s next action), load the dice (give yourself advantage on your next attack), bluff (deal critical damage on your next attack).

Gambling Skill: Make a proficiency check to gain a maneuver this round.

Gambling Feat: Gain Proficiency with one gaming set

Whenever you join a gambling event your hit point total is +50%, regardless of the buy in

Never Tell Me the Odds! Once per long rest you can take 10 after failing an ability check or attack roll.

Gambler Background: Gain proficiency with one gaming set

Gain one language

Gain proficiency with Insight and Deception
Where are the games? You can always find your way to the local gambling den, cockfighting venue or underground fist fight.