gambling movies

In Dark City, he plays an underground casino owner based in Los Angeles who must deal with patrons who won’t pay their dues. 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.

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  • The movie, released in theaters in 2003, tells the story of Lootz, who found one useful skill in life, and that was to play the role of a “cooler” at a casino, run by Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin).
  • Although the MCU and DCEU exist separately from each other, there are instances where each studio has referenced the other in their movies.
  • A popular quote is, ‘Gambling’s not about money… Gambling’s about not facing reality, ignoring the odds.’ Croupier release was two years later & features 3 alternate types, with a 7/10 rating on IMDb and 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
  • This film delves into the psychological aspect of gambling, portraying the superstitions, fallacies, and the thrill of the game that keeps players coming back for more.
  • D.B. Sweeney plays “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, the most famous and talented player from that 1919 White Sox team.

Gambling is typically portrayed in films as a boys’ club, but Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game shows how women can be even more adept at navigating the treacherous world of underground gambling. As with the best gambling movies, the poker table is only one arena where the stakes are high in Molly’s Game. She relies on gambling the people’s identities from her poker game to keep her money and avoid prison when the FBI comes knocking. Famously set to an anachronistic ragtime soundtrack of Scott Joplin standards, “The Sting” is irresistible fun — a light and witty caper that has us fully rooting for its con men. Paul Newman won his only Oscar for The Color of Money, revisiting the character of Fast Eddie Felson, whom he played in 1961’s The Hustler. “He had to stop gambling,” Scorsese said in Conversations With Scorsese.

gambling movies

The Best Gambling Films

You can check out sites like comeon.com for some fun casino games to enjoy in your free time. “Uncut Gems,” a film released in 2019, became a sensation on Netflix. The movie features Adam Sandler, typically known for his comedic roles, playing a character named Howard Ratner, a compulsive gambler who owns a jewelry store. To pay off his debts, Howard must get his hands on a rare and costly gem, all the while attempting to prevent his addiction from harming his relationships and personal life. Gambling is unpredictable, and high stakes make it a popular movie subject. Netflix has a plethora of gambling movies that are not only entertaining but also educational.

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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. 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. Trying to keep up with all of the twists in Lucky Number Slevin is almost as difficult as picking a winner in a horse race but just as entertaining.

Best Gambling Movies Of All Time

It explores how Ungar, nicknamed ‘The Kid’, turned into a gambling superstar. By age 10, he won millions thrice playing card games and the World Series of Poker. https://true-fortune.us/ Michael Imperioli plays Stu Ungar, plus various cameos from prominent figures in sports and poker, including Vince Van Patten, Al Bernstein, and Andy Glazer.

Molly’s Game (

Following his breakthrough “Good Will Hunting,” Damon takes on the role of yet another math wunderkind in John Dahl’s cult classic, though he trades in his janitor gig for a steady life on the poker grind. Until, that is, he goes bust against Teddy “KGB,” an eccentric Russian gangster played by John Malkovich, who chews the scenery as he literally chews on Oreos. Having already lost his tuition, Damon proceeds to gamble with his own life as he has to come up with $15k in five days.

  • Translated as either “Bob the Gambler” or “Bob the High Roller,” Bob le flambuer is a cinematic breakdown of what happens when someone is forced to risk it all.
  • In his Hollywood debut, Charlton Heston plays Danny Haley, the owner of an illegal gambling operation who turns into a detective after one of the patrons of his establishment commits suicide and has a brother hellbent on avenging his death.
  • The project follows the aftermath of a robbery that took place within a Mafia poker game.
  • The movie ends, but although it depicts a happy ending, we need to be reminded that gambling addiction and problem gambling ought to be treated seriously.
  • The episode we have in mind has to do with the story of Tim Donaghy, an NBA referee who was caught red-handed betting on his own games, and seriously putting the integrity of the game at risk.
  • This iconic film takes us back to the time of the Great Depression when poker wasn’t just a game but a way of life.
  • It’s set during The Great Depression, and chronicles The Kid’s journey as he challenges a veteran card player in Lancey “The Man” Howard — played by Edward G. Robinson.

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As in the best films about gambling and casino, famous saying is, ‘See, life is a people game too.’ The rating is 6/10 on IMDb and 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. You should check out Molly’s Game, a movie based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a high-stakes poker player. She hosted one of the most exclusive underground poker games for the wealthy and powerful, including members of the Mafia, politicians, and celebrities. The movie portrays her life and how the FBI began to track her down, leading to her downfall. If you’re looking for a gambling film that has a lighter edge to it, then this pick should elicit a few laughs. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is a British crime/comedy that stars Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones.

The Sting ( – The Heist is On

An answer is also obtained at the end of the film, which is unexpected, as we have not gotten any hints from Anderson. The answer is so surprising that it touches the boundaries of credibility, if not go beyond that. The internal logic of the film works great; the actors do an amazing job.

  • The immersive plots and stunning visuals of these casino movies cause viewers to become fully invested in the characters and their gripping stories.
  • The film illustrates how gambling addiction can affect those around you as Axel ends up borrowing money from friends and, eventually, loan sharks.
  • Caan manages to make his character, who steals from his own mother to pay his gambling debts, one that the audience can still root for.
  • The opulence of the casino, with its glitzy surface, acts as a stark contrast to the harsh realities that lurk beneath – organized crime, addiction, betrayal, and an insatiable quest for power and recognition.
  • Digital Celluloid, a comic strip by artist Chris Cirillo, pokes fun at the films of today, tomorrow and yesterday.
  • These movies go into the lives of various gamblers, their struggles, and their obsession with gambling.
  • From star-studded casts to award-winning stories, casino movies have it all.

The Gambler (

Unable to hold his alcohol, Eddie loses everything and hits rock bottom. After confiding in Sarah, a tortured alcoholic, Eddie picks himself together to try to beat Fats once and for all. In the film, the gambler’s spirit is rendered viscerally by Newman, who paints a complex picture of an imperfect masculine ego, flawed by the same instincts that leave him raw and relatable. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, the film has enjoyed a fine legacy, aging gracefully due to its naturalistic performances, sleek cinematography and its unidealized atmosphere.

gambling movies

Written by Rob Nelson

  • If you love poker, can look past the fact that Daniel Craig knows nothing about the game, and enjoy good cinematography, Casino Royale may yet be the best movie about gambling on Netflix today.
  • It’s the story of a team of students from a US university who perfected a card-counting system that they used to take Vegas casinos for huge sums of cash.
  • This article will explore some of the best movies based on casinos and online casino games produced in recent years that are available on Netflix.
  • The Texans host the Bills on Sunday where Diggs will face his former team for the first time since the trade.
  • Our list begins with a modern classic, “Casino Royale,” where the world of espionage intersects with the equally risky poker realm.
  • Tepper looks into the wallet he found and realizes he already has a lottery ticket.

This just inspires him to push harder and keep it going, and while this might turn out to be a disaster in a movie like, say, Uncut Gems, here, it’s just a wacky ’80s comedy. Let It Ride still gets a lot of comedic mileage out of Dreyfuss’s mania and goes a long way on some very fun supporting performances from Teri Garr, Jennifer Tilly, and David Johansen. But let’s just say they don’t show this one at Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

Aaron Sorkin’s writing does a job of building a realistic world, and the gambling scenes aren’t out of touch. Players and fans were never really impressed; instead, they waited for a film that did the game justice. For many, that came in 2015 with the release of Mississippi Grind, a drama written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and starring Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds. The film talks about the life of Henry Hill and his allies’ criminal careers. The memorable casino scene is when Tommy DeSimone approaches the craps table with lots of money to place bets. Tommy is one of the main characters, and he brings an atmosphere of excitement to the audience.

Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians

Movies about gambling take audiences on exhilarating journeys with characters who face overwhelming odds, yet navigate through with luck, strategy, and skill. 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.

Due to its immediate success and popularity, “Ocean’s Eleven” had three more films added to the franchise. While these films delve into lavish worlds with gambling and casinos, nothing beats the real thing. At Tachi Palace, you can get the full casino experience from the comfort of the West Coast.

However, he does so by taking on the role of a teacher as he leads a young pool player to greatness. That player is Vincent Lauria (played by Tom Cruise), who goes on to learn the in’s and out’s of proper pool playing and scamming. But when Eddie and Vincent’s partnership falls apart, they eventually end up on opposite ends and confront each other in the game they both love so much. Matt Damon stars in this movie all about placing big bets and fighting to escape crippling debt.

You can always try to find a copy on DVD, but in the age of streaming services, here’s what you need to know. The film was released the same year Johnny Moss won his last WSOP Main Event (1974). It’s a comedy-drama directed by Robert Altman, and while on its face it may seem lighthearted, California Split cuts much deeper. The movie is based on a book of the same name, written from Bloom’s perspective, so there may be an expected bias toward her side of the story. If you’re wondering how to watch Mississippi Grind, it’s available on DVD and Blu-Ray, and several streaming options exist, including an HBO Max subscription.

gambling movies

Directed by David Mamet, this heist film follows Lindsay Crouse’s character Dr. Margaret Ford as she meets a criminal figure named Mike Mancuso — played wonderfully by Joe Mantegna. She’s a psychiatrist who recently finished a book on obsessive-compulsive disorder, and one of her patients seeks help from her regarding his involvement with and debt owed to the aforementioned crime lord. This is also notable among fans today for being the first film in its franchise to feature Daniel Craig as the titular character.

  • During his time spent as a croupier, he tries his hardest not to get sucked up in the dark world of gambling and fall for a more “attractive” temptation.
  • But it isn’t long until Vegas’ seductive wiles charm Clark (and his underage son Rusty!) into gambling away the family’s fortune.
  • After being arrested during a massive FBI sting, Molly comes into contact with a criminal defense lawyer and relays more of her enthralling life story to the viewing audience.
  • There are many outstanding ones to choose from, some of which narrowly missed the cut but still deserve some recognition.
  • There’s the Kid, all the talent in the world and trying to be the best that ever was.

The Cincinnatti Kid

  • Part of the fun lies in trying to figure out if Segal hit it big or lost thousands, because his worrying expression never changes.
  • The casino increases profits, Sam falls in love, and he’s got his friend around to protect the operation.
  • It is a cautionary tale of what can happen when addiction takes over.
  • In this 2006 take on Bond, Daniel Craig has his first romp as the infamous MI6 special agent and is tasked with beating a financier with terrorist ties at a high-stakes game of poker.
  • An ex-gambler ends up wandering into town in the midst of the big poker game and finds himself going right back to his former addiction.
  • “Ocean’s Eleven” is a popular gambling movie that offers its viewers multiple thrills.
  • Along with The Hangover and a select couple of others, Ocean’s Eleven (2001) by Steven Soderbergh is one of the most popular gambling movies ever made.
  • The reality is probably not as glamorous, but the reason why these films have been selected is also because of their deep psychological backdrops.

Everyone in Casino performed to a career-defining degree, and it will forever go down as one of Scorsese’s bests. And it was of course a massive success in theaters, raking in $469.3 million on a $35 million budget. It chronicles the tale of Phil, Alan, Stu, and Doug as they travel to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party. And they’re all portrayed by talented thespians, most of whom shine particularly bright within comedic roles — Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Heather Graham, for example.

He is an unlucky gambler who believes he will soon be able to hit the jackpot. He gathers his team of accomplices, including Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, and attempts to rob some of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas. This thrilling and action-packed movie series showcases some great performances and highly stylized visuals that make it very worthwhile to watch. Rotten Tomatoes has it scored at 77%, which is solid but a travesty considering it’s one of the best sports movies ever.

This film is one of our top movies about poker because the world of gambling can serve as both a refuge and a battlefield for personal demons. It’s not just a movie about gambling; it’s a story of regret, penance, and the search for forgiveness. Charlie Waters and Bill Denny are gamblers who come together through a mutual appreciation of their hobby. Charlie goes out of his way to gamble as much as he can in a bid to win the biggest payday there is alongside Bill.

DeNiro and Pesci in a ‘90s Scorcese flick about hardened casino operators — deal us in! The Mafia sends sports handicapper Sam “Ace” Rothstein to set things straight at a Vegas casino. The casino increases profits, Sam falls in love, and he’s got his friend around to protect the operation. People from his wife’s past show up, the casino loses money, the Mafia gets mad, and the cops show up. In this 2006 take on Bond, Daniel Craig has his first romp as the infamous MI6 special agent and is tasked with beating a financier with terrorist ties at a high-stakes game of poker.

After she’s fired from her gig of overseeing the games on behalf of a local tycoon, Molly takes her professional contacts and creates an underground ring on her own. But Molly gets caught up in an outside scandal that sheds light on her poker ring, and the film follows the decisions she makes along the way. The advantage is that this motion picture is based on the real story of a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The idea is that they were trying to rob one of the casinos in Las Vegas. As other casino gambling movies of all time, Atlantic City is a 1980 romantic crime film starring Burt Lancaster & Susan Sarandon, directed by Louis Malle. A gangster & aspiring blackjack dealer becomes involved in a dangerous scheme.

Some horror movies were so terrifying that just one viewing is enough to be seared into my brain for eternity without ever needing to rewatch them. A Martin Scorsese gem, Casino is about the competition between best friends, one a Mafioso and the other a casino executive, for a gambling empire and a fast-living socialite. A film cynical in nature, the beguiling use of the spiraling roulette wheel is meant to represent the randomness and transience of life. As a result, giving this gambling film a much deeper meaning than what meets the eye.

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