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The art of film watching is a pastime we share across the world, enabling us to step into an entirely different world for a few hours and lose ourselves from the outside world. Whether it’s a Bollywood, Hollywood or regional film that’s been translated for national use, today’s films are able to be widely distributed across the world on streaming platforms and give people from all corners of the globe an insight into our planet, our culture and the lives of others.
One genre that is highly popular across the globe and provides much excitement and entertainment is gambling. As people from all corners of the globe enjoy gambling and casino games, it’s a universally shared language and mutual interest point that has created many successful titles, including some blockbuster hits. Whether it’s a fantasy like HBO’s House of the Dragon series or just pure escapism, gambling themes offer a thrilling experience for the viewer where they can step out of their own lives and imagine themselves in one they could only dream of.
Of course, some films also inspire people to follow their dreams or take up a new hobby or interest. Many gambling movies have inspired people around the world to take it up as a hobby, in which we’ve seen titles like the Queen’s Gambit series that created a new generation of professional chess players or vivid poker scenes inspire people to become professional poker players too.
For those who have already been inspired by a gambling movie like the Hangover, the great news is that there’s no need to save up for an expensive trip to Las Vegas to get started on your dream. Below, we’ll take a look at the best gambling movies of all time.
1. Lucky You (2007)
The late Curt Lee Hanson stars in this film as world famous poker player, Huck Cheever. The american drama that’s set in 2003 was filmed in no other than the famous Las Vegas, allowing viewers to live out their gambling fantasies in one of the best gambling spots in the world.
In the film, Huck Cheever is haunted by his estranged relationship with his also famous poker player father L.C. Cheever, played by Robert Duvall. The plot revolves around the World Poker Series in which Huck, who’s a regular in the Vegas poker rooms, needs $10,000 to get a seat at the main World Series Poker event.
After a long plot line in which Huck meets other characters in the movie who help him to secure the funds needed, Huck and L.C. go head to head in the World Series of Poker main event. While both of them lose, L.C offers Huck a one and one rematch, playing for dimes. The plot ends with their relationship being restored. While the movie doesn’t have the best reviews and could be seen as somewhat of a cliche plot, this is still one of our favourites on the poker movie list.
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven is one of the most well-known gambling movies of all time and is also one of the most popular. Featuring a number of legendary names in the acting world, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia, this film depicts the elegance and excitement of the gambling world in modern Vegas where there’s no trace of the rat pack in sight. Instead, these players are portrayed in sleek suits with cocktails in hand.
The plot revolves around Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, who is less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey prison and is already rolling out the plan for his next elaborate and sophisticated robbery.
With just three rules in place; don’t hurt anybody, don’t steal from anyone, and play the game like you’ve got nothing to lose, Ocean sets about planning one of the most elaborate casino heists in history. For those that are a fan of the Las Vegas poker rooms, this film will intrigue and excite viewers as they watch the well put together group pull of the best heist in the film world, and possibly ever thought up.
3. Casino (1995)
Taking it back to the mid 90’s, Casino stars the popular Robert Di Nero as a dangerous and unpredictable mobster who runs a notorious casino. While Di Nero is trying to do things the right way, he ends up being constantly undercut by his friend and business partner who he shouldn’t trust.
Giving viewers an insight into the inner workings of their favourite Vegas casinos, the film shows how the casino underworld operates and is a thrilling ride for those not versed in the criminal side of gambling. Be prepared to be gripping to the edge of your seat.
Overall, gambling movies inspire new generations each and every year to get involved in casino games. While giving viewers a chance to escape the normality of their own lives, gambling movies also inspire people to follow their dreams and give them the courage to take up new hobbies and interests. Thanks to the latest technology and a wealth of online casino sites, getting involved in gambling has never been so easy for gambling movie fans.
