The 75+ Best Movies About Gamblers & Casinos, Ranked

He’s Jack, an aspiring novelist desperate for money — soon, he’s a croupier getting to know the world of casino gambling. Pitched like a hard-boiler noir — Jack has the blasé seen-it-all vibe of a private dick — Croupier explores the sweaty anxiety and crippling sadness of those who have thrown their lives (and money) away at the tables. If the plot complications aren’t always satisfying, the film’s vivid recreation of dingy casino life is utterly intoxicating.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Based on the true story of six talented MIT students with gifts for doing math, 21 is one of the best and most famous casino movies of all time. Gerry is a talented Texas hold ’em player whose adventures start once he encounters Curtis during a poker game in Iowa. The two instantly become friends and come up with an idea to try their luck in all the major cities along the Mississippi River. They will play until they win a high-stakes poker game at a casino in New Orleans. If you are looking for an action-packed film that combines the glamorous worlds of gambling, espionage, and secret agents, Casino Royale is the safest bet.

The 75+ Best Movies About Gambling

One of the most realistic casino movies often cited by critics and audiences is “Rounders” (1998), directed by John Dahl and starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton. “Rounders” is often praised for its authentic portrayal of the underground poker scene and the dynamics of high-stakes poker games. The film details various poker strategies, terminology, and the ups and downs of professional poker players. “Molly’s Game” is a biographical crime drama based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom. The film tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who becomes involved in hosting high-stakes poker games for wealthy and influential players. The main themes of this movie are power, greed, and the conflict between legality and morality.

Television & Film

The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline. To prove himself, Eddie challenges top dog Minnesota Fats (played by Jackie Gleason) to a high-stakes game of pool. The Hustler isn’t just one of the best gambling movies, but best sports movies of all time. The accurate representation of gambling psychology is one of the reasons this film is worth watching. Unlike other movies about poker we’ve listed here, this one features characters who are convinced they will magically strike gold.

Conclusion: Best Movies That Take Place In Casinos

This Western comedy revolves around a high-stakes poker game in the Old West town of Laredo. The movie is very lighthearted and entertaining and features clever plot twists and witty dialogues. One of the most satisfying aspects of it is the power of wit demonstrated by the protagonist. Despite formally moderate success, “A Big Hand for the Little Lady” is considered a charming Western comedy with decent humor and suspense. “Eight Men Out” is a sports drama based on the true story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal caused by the eight players who wanted to make big money from sports bettors. It shows an impressive moral dilemma between personal choices and the impact on careers and reputations.

Film Reviews

Casinos are glamorous settings for meetings between superspies and supervillains, and they symbolise a wildcard that draws ordinary people to test their luck. Who better to take on the classic Hunter S Thompson novel of excess, psychedelic drugs, and a trip to Las Vegas than film-maker Terry Gilliam? We follow journalist Raoul Duke (Depp) – a thinly-veiled portrait of the artist – and his attorney Doctor Gonzo as they travel to Vegas in 1971 to cover a motorcycle race.

The Hustler

• Rain Man is one of the movies you must watch because it tells us a lot about the importance of family, of differences in mental astuteness, and how easily one can cross the boundaries of what is legal.
• You can access a wide variety of games and claim bonuses directly from a smartphone or computer.
• John Dahl’s crime-drama narrates the thrill and addiction of playing from Mike’s point of view, even if it just looks like a bunch of guys sitting around a table for hours on end.
• Played with a timid, nervous energy by William H. Macy, “The Cooler” is naturally unlucky, and he works for the casino by jinxing players and spreading his misfortune.

Directed by the master of French crime thrillers, Jean-Pierre Melville, Bob le Flambeur, a.k.a. Bob the Gambler, is an early masterpiece. After losing it all at the casino due to a lifelong addiction, Bob decides he’s going to get the old gang back together and rob the joint—if he can only keep himself away from the tables. While they often include elements of drama and suspense, they ultimately explore the excitement and consequences of chasing fortunes in a casino setting. So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, and prepare to be entertained by these thrilling films that bring the casino experience to the big screen. Of course, being a Scorsese and De Niro movie, you know there’s going to be some serious gangster undertones.

The Best Casino Movies of All Time

Clooney and Pitt’s chemistry is electric, and their camaraderie adds to the charm of the film. Recently, both actors made waves at the Venice Film Festival while promoting their latest collaboration, Wolfs, demonstrating that their on-screen magic continues to captivate audiences. The film follows the story of a charismatic but compulsive New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction and immerses viewers in the frantic and chaotic world of gambling. This crime thriller skillfully captures the intensity, anxiety, and desperation of a man on the edge hoping for a big win.

Poker Queens

• Rounders has become a cult favorite, particularly within the poker community, for its authenticity.
• Her addiction not only jeopardizes her marriage but also puts her in dangerous situations.
• Directed by Martin Campbell, the movie is known for its intense action sequences and stunning cinematography.
• When one of them finds a lost wallet with a winning lottery ticket inside, it sets off a chain of events that leads to unexpected twists and revelations.
• This is a classic American film noir crime drama about a cynical gambler who becomes involved with a corrupt casino owner and then meets a woman and falls in love with her.
• Gambling in the movie is one of the tools for human connection between the two brothers.

Gambling movies are so remarkably tense for viewers because the stakes of casino games are already inherently high. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that filmmakers have returned to the well as inspiration for thrillers, dramas, and action-packed adventures over the years. The main characters in these films are upping the ante by risking their lives on the big score, falling into debt or addiction—or trying to game the system. Sometimes, they’re running underworld operations; sometimes those involved are super spies. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each of the 10 best movies about casinos.

• If the answer is yes, Ocean’s Eleven is definitely one of the gambling movies you must see.
• The drama story revolves around a talented poker player and law student pulled into the underground poker world.
• “Revolver” incorporates elements of crime, psychological drama, and neo-noir, focusing on themes such as ego, self-discovery, and the power of the mind.
• We at GamblingCollective take betting seriously, and as fun as it is we understand that it can cause a lot of problems.
• We have seen that story a million times in a million better sports movies — this even has a Big Game at the end — but both Bana and Duvall find some truth in their characters regardless.

Molly’s Game (

Along the way the pair ingest epic amounts of drugs and come across a cast of bizarre characters. The further they descend into their drug-induced haze, the more surreal and nightmarish their journey becomes. Though not a traditional gambling film, Ocean’s Eleven is a favorite casino movie. In Croupier, which translates to “dealer,” Clive Owen plays a struggling novelist who gets a job at the casino. Using the position as research for a new book, he finds himself getting pulled deeper and deeper into gambling-based crime. Whether you want to learn card counting in “21” or explore addiction’s dark side in “Owning Mahowny,” these films showcase the enduring appeal of risk and reward in the casino world.

His rival is Minnesota Fats, one of the coolest named characters in gambling film history. Based on a true story of a crippling gambling addiction, screenwriter James Toback wrote The Gambler about his own problematic behavior, anger, and feelings of general desperation. The conflict makes for a great drama, as long as you’re watching the original ’70s film with James Caan and not the hated 2014 Mark Wahlberg remake.

Rounders

• Whether you’re in it to learn how to beat the house or just want to hear the soothing sounds of chips stacking and slots spinning, these are the best gambling movies to put you right in the action.
• No top ten of casino movies can be complete without at least one James Bond film.
• Thanks largely to Scorsese’s strong directing, this classic has contributed a great deal of popularity to the glamorous and mysterious Las Vegas lifestyle.
• 21 offers a sleek, modern take on casino movies, blending intellect with suspense in the neon-lit world of Vegas.
• The story of “Tricheurs” revolves around a talented but rebellious student from a working-class background who becomes involved with a group of students who engage in cheating and fraud to achieve academic success.
• Both James Caan and Mark Wahlberg in the 2014 remake managed to breathe life into one of the most famous gamblers in movies.
• In Daniel Craig’s debut as a young James Bond, Casino Royale features 007 playing in a high-stakes Texas hold ’em poker tournament.
• Recently, both actors made waves at the Venice Film Festival while promoting their latest collaboration, Wolfs, demonstrating that their on-screen magic continues to captivate audiences.

“Poker Queens” is a documentary released in 2020 that explores the world of professional female poker players. It sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the male-dominated realm of professional poker. Through interviews with prominent players, the documentary showcases their journeys, strategies, and the determination required to excel in the game. “Poker Queens” offers an insightful look into the lives of these remarkable women who have significantly impacted the world of poker. The best gambling movies offer a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and intensity, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Because Raymond has the ability to count cards extremely quickly and to remember which have been played, the two end up in Las Vegas. Charlie takes Raymond to the blackjack table in hopes his card-counting gift will help Charlie win. Manfred finds himself drawn to a woman who is a gambler at his table – a serious transgression of the casino’s rules for employees. Under pressure from creditors, the woman asks Manfred to be the inside man for a robbery at his own casino.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

The professor, played by Kevin Spacey, will later use the team’s skills to count cards at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. He has spent the magazine’s large cash advance on narcotics, which he indulges in liberally as he transforms his assignment into a search for the American Dream. Before they know it, the two friends are wrapped in a world of gamblers, dealers, druggies, and corrupt cops. Two con men get revenge for a fallen friend in this buddy comedy starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

Here are my picks for the best movies about gambling that capture the thrills and falls that come with the territory. In 1980, Ginger kidnaps little Amy, planning to flee to Europe with her and Lester. Sam convinces Ginger to return with Amy, then overhears her planning on the phone to kill him. Sam soon discovers their affair, confronts Ginger, and ends his friendship with Nicky.

Released in 2006, Casino Royale was Daniel Craig’s first appearance as Bond and arguably his best. The movie follows Bond as he earns his license to kill and is tasked with taking down a financier of international terrorism in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. Along the way, he falls in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a treasury agent who is sent to provide the money https://thebescasino-login.com/ for the game. Directed by Martin Campbell, the movie is known for its intense action sequences and stunning cinematography. In the book, a game of baccarat between Bond and Le Chiffre sorts the boys out from the men, while in the film, Texas Hold’em is the game with license to thrill. The drama story revolves around a talented poker player and law student pulled into the underground poker world.

The 50 Best Casino Movies of All Time

With Matt Damon and John Malkovich in one movie, you know the film will be worth your time. Add poker and gambling to the mix, and you’ve got Rounders helping you make the best of your weekend poker movies night. Croupier is a character study of one man as he faces temptation – which turns out to be a common theme among movies about casino gambling. Intrigue, suspense, insights, and a powerful performance by Clive Own earn Croupier a spot on our list of the best casino films.

Gambling is an integral part of each story’s unfolding, whether through the gamblers’ pursuit of fortune, the excitement of outwitting adversaries, or the psychological battles they wage against themselves. The immersive plots and stunning visuals of these casino movies cause viewers to become fully invested in the characters and their gripping stories. Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, they’re about risk. They usually don’t end up with a calm home life upstate, counting their winnings. Mike’s chance to make it big comes when he faces off against Teddy KGB (John Malkovich), a legendary player with a reputation for being unbeatable. Directed by John Dahl, the movie has become a cult classic and is known for its accurate portrayal of the underground poker world.

Mississippi Grind probably slipped under your radar, but all critics can agree it’s a hidden gem. Gambling can be an intense, life-destroying addiction that’s as far from funny as it gets. Mississippi Grind, however, features Ryan Reynolds—so, obviously, it’s going to have laughs.

Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a casino operator tangled in a web of corruption, greed, and betrayal. The film intricately portrays how the mob infiltrated Vegas casinos, while Sharon Stone’s dazzling performance as Rothstein’s troubled wife adds layers of drama. Scorsese’s signature cinematic style—sharp dialogue, epic storytelling, and vivid violence—elevates Casino to a classic.

As he immerses himself in this world of deceit, Victor begins to question the moral implications of his actions and the consequences they may have on his relationships and future. The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance. The 1961 original is less concerned with a swaggering Tom Cruise–Paul Newman movie-star face-off and more focused on loyalty and integrity and ambition.

“Molly’s Game” was positively assessed for its dynamic directing style and strong performance. Matt Damon plays Mike McDermott, a reformed gambler who finds himself drawn back into the game to help a friend pay off dangerous debts. Alongside Edward Norton, Damon delivers a memorable performance that highlights the psychology and strategy behind poker, rather than just the thrill of winning or losing. The film emphasizes loyalty and redemption, while giving audiences a realistic look at the risks of gambling addiction.

One of the best things about “The Sting” is the viewers guessing until the final plot twist. The movie received commercial success and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This crime drama is set in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s, and it revolves around the operations of the fictional Tangiers Casino. The movie invites the viewer into a complicated world of casino businesses and gamblers, exploring themes of power and corruption, all against the background of the Las Vegas glamor.

As it turns out, gambling and gangsters go hand-in-hand, and for this Scorsese film, it’s the Chicago Outfit that serves as the focal crime unit. Director Steven Soderbergh takes us through all the intricate planning and execution, then wraps up with a satisfying ending. It may not have been showered in Oscar nominations, but Ocean’s Eleven is undoubtedly the most famous heist movie of our age. Ocean’s Eleven is the ultimate heist movie, and it just so happens to take place in a casino!

Invited to attend a meetup in a remote Illinois cornfield, they are brutally beaten with baseball bats upon arriving, stripped of their clothes, and buried alive in a shallow grave. With the Mafia now out of the casino industry, nearly all the old casinos are demolished, and new casinos are built with money from junk bonds. 21 is inspired by the real-life experiences of a talented MIT math student who pursues the goal of conquering casino blackjack to score a big win. Upon being released from prison, suave thief Danny Ocean gathers the gang and heads to Las Vegas, determined to organise the greatest heist in history. The team of highly talented risk-takers concoct a mission to steal from the three biggest casinos in Las Vegas — The MGM Grand, the Mirage, and the Bellagio — all property of Terry Benedict. Like other 007 films, Casino Royale provides plenty of violence, intrigue, romance, and dirty mind tricks, all wrapped up in classic Bond style.