Gambling is an alluring phenomenon – the rush of adrenaline that comes from risk-taking, the ability to forget your woes as you immerse yourself in a world of magnificent jackpots and jaw-dropping losses. Like someone once said, “Gambling is not about money; it’s about the thrill of the risk.”
This thrill is very similar to what you experience watching a well-crafted movie. But what do you get when you mix gambling with the silver screen? A potent mix of drama, adrenaline and a cinematic experience sure to keep you at the edge of your seat biting your nails.
There are so many gambling movies available for our enjoyment on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others. And this is why we will be looking into the best gambling movies worth watching for any gambling enthusiast or even a thrill-seeking movie buff. These movies explore the glamorous and sordid side of casino and gambling; they captivate viewers with the intelligent execution of casino heists and high stakes games; and some even explore the dark side of a gambler’s life.
While there are many gambling and casino-related movies out there, these movies were chosen based on their merit. Some of the movies feature characters played by award-winning actors such as George Clooney, Paul Newman, Robert De Niro, Jessica Chastain and many others.
Best movies to watch about casino
Meanwhile, we understand that it’s impossible to exhaust the list of amazing casino movies out there and our list might not capture all the greats, here’s a list of honorary mentions you can also check out asides our top 10 gambling movies:
- Cincinnati Kid
- Hard Eight
- Dark City
- The Card Counter (2021)
- The Gambler
- Rain Man
- The Sting
If you’re not an avid gambler, as you watch these movies, don’t be surprised if you yearn to try your hands at any of the games. Well, don’t take our word for it – studies prove that movies influence behavior and so be prepared. In fact, according to the American Gaming Association, 85% of US adults have gambled at least once in their lives with 60% saying they have gambled in the past year. To that end, if you’re planning on trying your hands at a few games, according to research conducted by casinocanada.com, playing at verified casinos is the best for you.
Remember these wise words from Ovid, “ Chance is always powerful. Let your hook always be cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.” Without wasting further time, let’s get right into it.
Casino (1995)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this movie is a cult classic in the category of casino movies for its epic portrayal of the mob and the inner workings of a casino empire. Set in glitzy, chaotic Las Vegas, the movie follows the life of Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (Robert de Niro), the highly competent Jewish-American casino manager whose carefully-planned life got upturned when his childhood friend and Mafia enforcer Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) came into town with his violent behavior.
Ace’s personal life is not much different as he struggles to keep his marriage with Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a glamorous Sin City hustler and addict. All of these came to a head in a destructive vortex of love, greed, power, violence and drugs leading to the eventual downfall of Ace’s emp.
The Colour of Money (1986)
Another Scorsese’s creation, The Colour of Money is a sequel to The Hustler (1961) and features Paul Newman returning in his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson, this time a retired pool hustler turned alcohol salesman. In the movie, Eddie happens upon a young and self-assured Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise) who reminds him of himself.
Seeing the potential in the talented pool player, Eddie decides to mentor Vincent by taking him and his girlfriend on a road trip to hustle pool halls in Atlantic City. The Colour of Money is one of the best movies on gambling because it captures the thrill of the hustle, strategy for high-stakes games and the elation of winning.
California Split (1974)
As a gambling enthusiast, if you haven’t seen this Robert Altman classic, then you’re missing out. The film follows Charlie Walters (Elliot Gould) and Bill Denny (George Segal), two down-and-out gamblers who become friends after realizing their luck changes when they team up. The rest of the movie shows their escapades in poker rooms, casinos and racetracks. While the movie is about gambling, it celebrates friendship and highlights the thrills and chaos of gambling, including how it affects lives outside the tables.
Rounders (1998)
Starring Mat Damon and Edward Norton, this film shows how a young, talented but reformed poker whiz gets back into the game to help pay off his friend’s gambling debts to a vicious loan shark (played by John Malkovich). Mike McDermott must go back into the world of high stakes poker against his better judgment.
As the beleaguered pair make the rounds in the world of underground poker, viewers get to see the strategy and psychology involved in the game which adds up to the glamor of it all. If you love poker, this gambling film will delight you.
Mississippi Grind (2015)
In a comedy thriller that’s also a character portrait, directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck tell the story of a washed-out gambler and struggling real-estate agent Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) who joins forces with a young, loud-mouthed traveling gambler whom he decides is his good luck charm.
After Gerry convinces Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) his good luck charm, to follow him as they hustle their way up the Mississippi to New Orleans, the pair soon find out that they will need more than luck to solve the problems caused by their problematic behavior.
Uncut Diamonds (2019)
If you’ve only seen Adam Sandler as a bumbling dad with a large heart, prepare to see a totally different version of him in this film. Here Adam Sandler portrays the role of Howard Ratner, a fast-talking but reckless New York jeweler who must do everything he can to keep his business afloat and himself alive when his creditor came calling for the debts he racked up due to his gambling vice.
Howard, however sees a rare opportunity to make a fortune and turn his situation around when he acquires a rare Ethiopian opal but the events that ensued has him taking increasingly crazy risks after the other.
Fact: This movie explores the theme of compulsive gambling and how wins can quickly turn to losses.
Molly’s Game (2015)
This is the true story of former Olympic skier Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) who became the manager of an underground and ultra-exclusive high stakes poker card game when she became the assistant to a famous movie producer.
Before her game later caught the attention of the FBI, Molly tendered to celebrities and the high and mighty. Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this witty and sharp movie won an academy award for best writing, to nobody’s surprise. For anyone wanting to see how society’s one percent gambles, this is an eye-opener.
Casino Royale (2006)
In this thrilling, action-packed film, Daniel Craig plays James Bond, the suave secret agent who must defeat Le Chiffre, a private investment banker who bankrolls terrorists in a high-stakes game of poker. Set in picturesque Montenegro, Casino Royale has everything from beautiful ladies in show-stopping dresses to fast cars and a masterful understanding of poker.
Oceans Eleven (2001)
You don’t need to be a gambler before you fall in love with Danny Ocean and his team of criminal gentlemen. While in a strict sense Ocean’s Eleven is not a gambling movie, it still shows the audience the dazzle of Las Vegas casinos. In the movie, newly-released convict Danny Ocean assembles a team of small-time grifters and con-men to plan a series of heists where they loot three Las Vegas casinos of a total of $160 million.
The star-studded cast of the movie includes Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Elliot Gould, Casey Affleck and others. The wry humor, sophistication and clever execution of the plan makes this movie a standout in the series.
The Croupier (1998)
While most gambling movies focus on the players, The Croupier chronicles the life of a casino worker Jack Manfred (Clive Owen)– blackjack dealer by night and novelist by day. Jack’s dour life gets complicated after he meets and falls in love with Jani, a beautiful female gambler who propositions him to be a part of the planned robbery of the casino he works in. However, from there, everything went downhill for him. The movie features several scenes where blackjack is played and for any blackjack player, this is a joy to watch.
Enjoy the best Gambling movie
Whether you’re an avid gambler or just a fan of high-octane movies, you will see this list contains everything you would love. These movies are a rollercoaster of emotions, while as accurately as possible portraying what goes on in the gambling world. From the smoothly executed heists to the intense drama and flawed characters, these movies will give you a deeper appreciation for gambling. So why don’t you grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the ride?
