Due to the drama and suspense involved, casino stories are always exciting to watch. As viewers, we are on the verge of our seats watching someone risking a lot to win big, even when the odds are against them. We are anxious to see if the gambler is having a lucky day or if his habit results in the downfall. Whichever way it ends, it’s always captivating. 

The gambling theme has long been a staple in popular culture, especially within the film industry. Thousands of movies feature casino scenes, whether as a fleeting backdrop or a central plot element. Specialists from gamblizard.ca, who provide reviews, promotions, and expert insights into the casino industry, have compiled a list of seven films that accurately depict gambling.

Coming first on our casino movies list is Martin Scorsese’s Casino starring icons like Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. It is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book that explores the relationship between the mafia and Las Vegas. The movie follows a handicapper and mafia associate ‘Ace’ who mob families put in charge of Tangier Casino in ‘Sin City’. He enjoys a time of prosperity as the mafia steals money while seemingly running a legitimate business. However, ‘Ace’ begins to have problems with his best friend and wife, which shakes things up. 

The Last Casino

Given how much the industry has spread over the years and gone digital, it’s hard to imagine a concept like The Last Casino. Even with some exceptional players who know how to swing the odds in their favor, the losses will hardly put a dent in gambling profits. That said, it’s obvious that casinos aren’t fond of these players. In his movie Last Casino from 2004, Pierre Gills tells the story of three professors who once studied mathematics at the same university. They plan to use their math skills to beat the odds at a Montreal casino. After studying blackjack for months, they develop a card-counting strategy to secure their win. 

Casino Royale

For fans of casino movies and secret agent James Bond, there is no better choice than Casino Royale. Agent 007 has just earned a license to kill and is ready for his first mission. He travels to Montenegro, where he must outsmart a private banker funding terrorist Le Chiffre in the game of Texas Hold’em in Casino Royale. 

California Split

In California Split, a casual player named Bill Deny meets a professional gambler, Charlie Walters. Gradually, Bill adopts Charlie’s lifestyle, experiencing the highs and lows of gambling. If you are looking for casino movies that realistically portray the world of gambling, look no further than this Robert Altman film. 

Uncut Gems

In Uncut Gems (2019), you will have the opportunity to see Adam Sandler in a non-comedic role. His character named Howard is a frantic jewelry store owner in NYC’s Diamond District. He lives a luxurious life, having an expensive house on Long Island with his wife and a Manhattan apartment for his mistress. Although he has a high-paying job, Howard spends most of it on gambling. One day, he is visited by a loan shark, Arno, who requests he pay back a debt of $100,000. Howard must now return an expensive black opal stone to settle the loan. 

Ocean’s Eleven

Next on the list of films casino fans will love is Ocean’s Eleven. In this exciting heist movie, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) leads Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus (Matt Damon), and the rest of the crew in a bold robbery of three casinos in Las Vegas. The movie, with its depiction of glamorous gaming floors, is visually stunning. If you like the film, there is an entire franchise waiting, including Ocean’s Twelve, Ocean’s Thirteen, and Ocean’s 8.

Source: Pixabay

Croupier

Croupier is a 1998 movie that shows the casino world from the dealer’s point of view. Clive Owen portrays the character of Jack Manfred, an unsuccessful writer who tries to make ends meet by working as a croupier. The film gives viewers an insight into the calculations, manipulations, greed, and all the drama on the casino floors.

Conclusion

Many filmmakers have found inspiration on glamorous casino floors. As gambling can be unpredictable, it gave them a good starting point. Movies dealing with this subject are often full of twists, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they are rooting for the protagonist to win. 

Films like Casino are just some of the many that are worth checking out. However, the list goes on, and you can watch older films such as The Hustler (1961), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), or The Gambler (1974). More recent movies we’d recommend on top of those from our list include Mississippi Grind (2015), Molly’s Game (2017), and The Card Counter (2021).

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