Gambling Movies
What are the greatest gambling movies of all time?
What is it that draws us to the tables and the slots? Is it the thrill of letting it all ride on the chance of winning big? Is it the bells and whistles and lights and action?
Or is it because it’s just so darn fun?
What many people don’t understand is that gambling is like watching sport or soap operas or ballet – it’s something we do for fun and relaxation. This is why PlayLive Casino has put together a list of the five best gambling movies for all you gamblers out there. When you’re done at the online casino, grab some popcorn and download one of these classics.
Note: These movies are chosen for having and showing gambling as a major plot point not casino heists (looking at you Ocean’s 10 and onwards) or bachelor’s parties in Vegas – well, except for the last one.
Top five gambling movies:
5. Maverick (1994)
A witty and fun romp through the Old West starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner as card sharps looking to get into a high-stakes poker game.
4. Rounders (1998)
Who doesn’t love seeing John Malkovich at his craziest Russian mobster best? Or Matt Damon as the (apparently) fresh-faced youngster wanting to rule the underground poker scene? One of those movies that every aspiring World Series of Poker hopeful has watched multiple times.
3. 21 (2008)
The film based on the true story of a group of super smart MIT students who devise a fool-proof way of beating the house at Blackjack. While their methods get them winning, what is it costing them as people?
2. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Steve McQueen. Stud poker. ‘Nuff said.
1. Casino (1995)
Rightly considered one of the greatest casino/gambling/mob movies of all time, this Scorsese-directed masterpiece stars Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. For a peek into the world behind the casino curtain this is truly a classic.
Bonus movie:
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Not a gambling movie really but for fans of truly surreal and bizarre tales of depravity and drug-fuelled weirdness, this Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro movie deserves to be included on any list that even comes close to mentioning Sin City or gambling. Off. The. Wall. Cooked.
When you’re done watching these classics and are ready to get back to your own tales of chance and daring, take a virtual walk around PlayLive Casino – South Africa’s biggest online casino. Thousands of games, incredible bonuses and exhilarating entertainment await.
