Gambling is a great way to pass time. Whether you want to bet on sports or play roulette, movies can take you back to the good old days. In fact, they often inspire us to try our luck at real casinos around the world.
From Hollywood classics to independent films, gambling has been depicted vividly in movies for decades. The latest releases are no exception; from poker to blackjack, casino games, and slots, these new films cover every aspect of gambling.
Here are some of the best gambling movies out there. From blockbuster franchises to indie gems, these blockbusters come out on top.
Top Gambling Movies You Need to See!
1. 21 Hours
After his father dies, a young man goes into seclusion for two years. While locked up, he spends what remains of his life working on an unfinished book about the lottery, a subject that obsesses him. He falls in love with a woman who shares his obsession. When he returns home after 21 hours, she isn’t ready to accept him as her lover. Their relationship takes off, but when he loses everything due to his gambling addiction, his downward spiral accelerates.
Directed by: Lee Chang-dong
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-bin
2. Cash N Carry
A story set in London’s illegal betting neighborhood, where punters gather to place bets on various sporting contests. A film based on true events.
Director: Stephen Frears
Stars: Ray Winstone, Gary Oldman
3. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known both for its glitzy reputation and low odds. This comedy features a high roller gambler played by Robert De Niro who attempts to get rich quickly by winning huge sums of money playing craps. After falling in love with a beautiful stripper, the character finds himself competing against another big spender who wants to make the same kind of quick buck.
Directed by Neil Jordan
Stars: Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline
4. Lucky Number Slevin
This movie follows two men who steal $9 million while traveling through Europe by train. One of them meets his end, but not before winning one last bet (a horse race). On the other hand, the other gambler wins the race and returns to New York City as a multi-millionaire. The third movie in the trilogy was released under the title “The Next Three Days.”
Directors: Frank Miller, Joel Schumacher
5. 21
When a married couple becomes addicted to internet gambling, their lives become chaotic. They lose almost all their savings, leading to financial problems, marital discord, infidelity, and emotional breakdowns. Eventually, however, they find salvation in each other.
6. Casino Jack
This movie tells the story of Jack Kelly, a former professional baseball player who suddenly became broke after losing a big bet. Desperate for cash, he moves in with his younger brother, who runs a card game in their basement. But things only escalate when Jack begins cheating at cards.
7. The Card Counter
In this film, we follow the daily activities of a retired college professor, who becomes a card counter. For many years he used his knowledge of card counting to play higher stakes games without detection. But once he starts losing more than he makes, he decides to go back to work.
8. Cradle Will Rock
Based on the classic novel by Richard Wright, this movie tells the story of Tom Buchanan, the son of a wealthy St. Louis family. He flaunts his wealth and disdain for the working class. He also has a weakness for gambling, which gets him into trouble more often than he would like. When his father passes away, it seems like his lifestyle will finally change for the better.
9. Croupier
Another thriller from director Lars von Trier follows a young croupier named Christian, whose career depends upon his ability to win over skeptical gamblers. However, during peak times, everyone else wants to gamble except him. He feels alone and an outcast. And then, one day, his boss replaces him with another employee. Suddenly, his life changes completely.
10. The Gambler
Denzel Washington plays an addicted gambler who loses everything in the stock market. Though he tries to quit numerous times, fate continues to throw obstacles at him that force him to keep trying again and again…
11. Gamblin’ : A Dime’s Worth Of Difference
This feature documentary takes a look at how casino gaming affects people with gambling addictions. It delves deeper into the psychology behind compulsive gambling and explores some of the ways casinos have been using technology to help struggling gamblers stay off the tables.
Conclusion
These are more than just films about money, sex, and drugs. In fact, these movies can give you valuable insight to help improve your personal gambling experience. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your luck at blackjack or roulette. Maybe you want to know how to beat the slot machines, or what to do if you’re concerned about becoming a victim of identity fraud. If so, I hope you’ll see that there is a lot more to be learned from these 11 movies.