From Las Vegas to Monte Carlo, Hollywood has had an indelible influence on the world of casinos. Some of Hollywood’s top-grossing films and most memorable scenes take place in casinos, so it’s no surprise that some of this glamorous have become part of casino culture.
The more popular the film, the greater impact it has, with people wanting to experience the excitement and thrills they’ve witnessed on the big screen. Keep reading to learn about all the ways Hollywood has influenced the casino industry.
The Early Days of Hollywood
As one of the most popular settings for Hollywood productions, casinos have played an integral role in films. From the early 20th century to the present day, movies with casino themes have captivated audiences worldwide.
Hollywood has capitalized on the high stakes and glamorous image of casinos to produce films that connect with viewers, developing engrossing storylines with action, drama, and romance. The silent movie, The Cheat, released in 1915, was Hollywood’s first casino-themed movie.
The movie’s success spawned several sequels and marked the beginning of Hollywood’s relationship with the casino industry. Following in its footsteps, movies like Lights of New York, Winner Take All, and Broadway Bill depicted casinos on the big screen.
While the popularity of casino movies waned in the middle of the 20th century, the genre regained steam in the 1960s and 1970s with films like Ocean’s 11 and the Sting. Things haven’t slowed, and Hollywood has continued to produce casino films well into the 21st century.
Casino Games with Hollywood Themes
Browsing jackpot and slot offerings in online casinos reveal many themed games with Hollywood themes. The iGaming industry knows that many films have a cult following and have sought to replicate this success in casino games.
Famous TV shows and movies have influenced some of the best casino games available. To illustrate, SlotsLV offers various jackpot games with titles like Indiana Jane, Cesar’s Empire, and Dragon’s Siege. These games have taken a page out of Hollywood’s playbook by immersing users in thrilling experiences.
Charismatic Characters
If you’ve watched casino-themed movies, you know that the main character is usually likable and loves being the center of attention. Ryan Gosling and Magot Robbie are reportedly in talks to film an Ocean’s11 Prequel, playing characters expected to fit this mold.
The charisma found in these characters often translates into their personality traits, with witty comments and an ability to remain calm under pressure being a common characteristic among them. Even when they come out on top, the leading man or woman remains cool and collected.
Whether they’re playing table games or slots, the main character in these movies is often pitted against rivals. They compete to see who’s the most skilled, and the best person comes out on top, smiling all the way to the bank.
Another way Hollywood influences casino culture through these movies is the way the person in the leading role dresses. You’ll often find them wearing expensive suits and jewelry. Luxury cars often make appearances too.
Increases the Popularity of Casinos
After watching an action-packed casino-themed film on the big screen, it’s hard not to romanticize casinos. Although scriptwriters probably don’t set out to make casinos popular when crafting a script, it often happens anyway.
While casino-themed movies cover diverse themes, they all have one thing in common: showcasing the stunning interiors of casinos from around the world. The action portrayed in a casino movie is unparalleled in real life; there’s endless fun and entertainment.
All of these things help attract everyday people to casinos, hoping they can experience the same excitement as onscreen characters. The uncertainty of the outcome also draws people to casinos and keeps them coming back for more.
Helps Tourism
While online casinos allow people to play their favorite games from wherever they may be in the world, sometimes people want to experience the excitement of a casino in person. Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Monaco, and Macau are on the bucket list of many travelers.
People flock to these cities because of their reputation for being home to some of the world’s best casinos. Films portray the social aspect of casinos, with people smiling, laughing, and celebrating when someone hits the jackpot.
That’s not all; casinos aren’t just places to place a bet on your favorite sports team or spin the slots; they also offer hotels, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. Of course, games are the biggest draws in casinos, offering something for just about everyone.
Hollywood does an outstanding job of portraying this in film, helping casinos attract people who want a break away from their hectic day-to-day lives. Casinos offer an escape from the real world and movies inspire people to visit world-renowned casinos to experience this fun with friends.
