There are countless films featuring scenes set in a casino or an underground gambling ring. While casinos may only make brief appearances in some movies, they are the central theme in others. Today, we present to you 8 of the best casino and gambling films.
This selection is in no particular order, as it would be too difficult to rank these films. Some are recent releases, others are older, and there’s even a TV series included.
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Casino Royale (2006), directed by Martin Campbell
We couldn’t start this selection with any film other than this one. Casino Royale is a James Bond movie released in 2006, where most of the action takes place in a casino, at a poker table. It also marks the first appearance of Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy. This instalment of James Bond’s adventures is known for not being the most action-packed, focusing more on high-stakes tension and strategy.
This James Bond film showcases the beginning of Agent 007’s career, at the moment he earns his license to kill. Bond’s mission is to play (and win) a high-stakes poker game against the terrorist financier Le Chiffre, aiming to bankrupt him. Le Chiffre is portrayed by the brilliant Mads Mikkelsen.
It’s also in this film that Bond falls for Vesper Lynd. This narrative arc continues in Quantum of Solace, released in 2008.
The Gamblers (1974), Directed by Robert Altman
The Gamblers is a film directed by Robert Altman, released in 1974. It stars George Segal, Elliott Gould, Ann Prentiss, and Gwen Welles. It is considered by some to be one of the best gambling films ever made.
Bill Denny and Charlie Waters develop a friendship based on their shared interest in gambling after being beaten up and robbed by someone they had won against. Charlie is an experienced gambler who bets on everything: poker, horse racing, boxing, and more. The two friends spend their time gambling.
The only problem? They need to find money.
Rounders (1998), Directed by John Dahl
Rounders is an American film directed by John Dahl, released in 1998. It stars Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Famke Janssen, Gretchen Mol, and John Malkovich. The film initially experienced moderate success at the box office. However, thanks to the poker boom, it eventually became a cult classic on the subject in the years that followed.
This film tells the story of two friends in debt. They are forced to win high-stakes poker games to pay off their debts. These two friends are played by Matt Damon and Edward Norton.
Casino (1995), Directed by Martin Scorsese
Casino is an American film from 1995, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. It’s inspired by the book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi. The film features an impressive cast, including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, Don Rickles, Kevin Pollak, and James Woods. Could you ask for a better lineup?
The film tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (played by Robert De Niro), who is sent by the mafia to oversee operations at the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas. He runs it with an iron fist, managing every detail. The movie shows how Sam handles the casino, the challenges he faces, the mafia’s involvement, and the decline of his relationships and status.
Las Vegas (TV Series)
If you love casinos and want to explore behind the scenes, you’ll adore the series Las Vegas. It has 5 seasons and aired from September 2003 to February 2008. With a total of 106 episodes, each lasting 42 minutes, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained.
The series was created by Gary Scott Thompson and is set in the Montecito, a fictional hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip. The episodes focus on the team working there, including dealers, casino security, and even management.
Filming locations like Mandalay Bay and Green Valley Ranch, two hotel-casinos in the Las Vegas Valley, were sometimes used to represent the Montecito.
Molly’s Game (2017), Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Molly’s Game is a film released in 2017, directed by Aaron Sorkin. It’s an American biographical crime drama based on the memoirs of Molly Bloom. The movie stars Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, and Joe Keery.
The story follows Molly Bloom, portrayed by Jessica Chastain, who runs a massive underground poker empire catering to Hollywood celebrities, business moguls, athletes, and the Russian mafia. Unfortunately, her operations are exposed, and she becomes the target of an FBI investigation.
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Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Ocean’s Eleven is an American heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh, released in 2001 (yes, it’s been over 20 years!). The movie boasts an all-star cast, featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, Bernie Mac, and Julia Roberts.
The film tells the story of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), who are planning a heist to steal $160 million from casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy García). Adding tension to the plot, Benedict is also the lover of Ocean’s ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts).
21 (2008), Directed by Robert Luketic
21 is a film released in 2008, directed by Robert Luketic. The movie stars Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, and Liza Lapira. It is inspired by a true story.
The film tells the story of a MIT professor who forms a blackjack team with his most talented students. Together, they use card counting and secret signalling techniques to increase their chances of winning at blackjack tables. They rely on the “Hi-Lo” system to count cards effectively.
