Fable II Pub Games taking bets August 13

Rather than having you stuff wolves' or giant rats' crevices with gold coins, Fable II will require players to earn money the old-fashioned way--working odd jobs and then gambling the earnings. While career advancement will have to wait for Fable II's October 21 launch, Lionhead Studios has said that players will be able to begin generating, or blowing, their virtual fortunes in advance with Fable II Pub Games, an Xbox Live Arcade tie-in.

Today, Microsoft announced that Lionhead Studios' virtual casino will open for business alongside Capcom's Bionic Commando Rearmed on August 13. Fable II Pub Games will be available for 800 Microsoft points ($10). Alternatively, participating retailers are offering a copy of the XBLA tie-in on the house as a Fable II preorder incentive.

Previously announced as individual offerings, Fable II Pub Games features three casino-style minigames--Fortune's Tower, Keystone, and Spinnerbox. Assuming gamers are able to leave the casino with a fatter purse than when they entered, winnings from these games can be transferred to the full Fable II game.

For more on the anticipated Xbox 360-exclusive role-playing game from celebrity game designer Peter Molyneux, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.