The 5 Best Gambling Movies of All Time! Features Film Threat

From the Safdie Brothers, Uncut Gems follows fast-talking jeweler Howard as he tries to juggle family obligations, his mistress, angry collectors, and mounting debts on top of his insatiable thirst for gambling. The Card Counter is a revenge thriller about an ex-military interrogator turned gambler who is haunted by his past. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. His writing has appeared in NBC, FOX, MSN, Yahoo, Purewow, The Playlist, The Wrap and Los Angeles Review of Books. While not as good as Oceans 11, the line, “I don’t gamble, not with people’s lives” is maybe the best in the entire franchise.

#1 – Rounders (

It’s a black-and-white film starring Steve McQueen as an up-and-coming poker player making a name for himself during the Great Depression. He eventually comes up against the best in the game, Lancey Howard, and the threat of a fixed game. In a unique dramatic role for Adam Sandler, “Uncut Gems” has him starring as a slick New York jeweler with a gambling addiction.

The Best Gambling Films

“Rain Man” was a massive hit, earning over $354 million worldwide at the box office. A selfish, debt-laden Los Angeles car salesman, played by Tom Cruise, learns that his wealthy father left millions to someone else in a trust fund. He suspects his newly discovered older brother, who has autism and lives in a mental institution. Cruise’s character breaks his brother out and uses his savant-level math skills to win big in Las Vegas. Chastain and director Aaron Sorkin were nominated for several big awards for “Molly’s Game,” including an Oscar, a BAFTA and two Golden Globes. Other big stars in this movie include Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera and Jeremy Strong.

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After agreeing to keep an eye on a duffel bag full of money for a friend that’s heading to prison, Eddie gives in to his gambling demons and ends up using the money to indulge his addiction. His troubles quickly worsen once Eddie finds out his friend is getting out of prison sooner than expected. This forces Eddie to find a way to gamble his way into getting all his friend’s duffle bag money back in full. Bugsy is not only a cinematic peek into the glitz and glamour seen within the world of gambling, but it’s also a fascinating biopic that’s all about legendary New York mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. After moving from the big city to Hollywood, Bugsy ends up finding love and success from his underground gambling rackets.

• 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.
• In Robert Rossen’s “The Hustler,” a young Paul Newman plays Fast Eddie Felson, a talented and cocky pool shark who puts it all on the line against Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason, in a rare straight role), the best player in the business.
• While players today are used to table stakes, there was no such thing in the old west.
• We wholeheartedly recommend watching Money, Explained in its entirety as it’s a highly educative if somewhat mass culture series.

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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.

The Cincinnati Kid (

The billion-dollar franchise – spinning off three sequels at last count – may be a superstar take on the casino heist theme, but there are plenty of other legendary films. Casino is the test of a friendship, a marriage, and a cutthroat businessman, and every minute of it will have you on the edge of your seat. Starring The Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli, High Roller is a triumphant, harrowing, and downright interesting take on this legend’s life, perfect for any game-lover out there. If you like Molly’s Game, Follow the Bitch (1996, Michael Cudlitz) depicts single guys at an all-night poker game and the woman who shows up. Familiye is a black-and-white film that depicts the story of a family of three brothers, the eldest of whom has just got out of prison.

Molly’s Game

The film provides a great opportunity to get to know what Vegas casinos were like during their heyday. It tells the story of the shifting from Florida to Vegas in the early 1990s. At that time the woman got a job with a professional gambler starred by Bruce Willis. It’s a great gambling story with the popular actor who was co-starred by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Vince Vaughn. In order to pay his debt, Howard does precisely what every high-stakes gambler would do; he places an enormous bet that could help pay off his entire debt but could also destroy what’s left of his life if it fails.

The Card Counter (

We’ve shown you our lists for the best poker and casino movies of all-time. Now it’s time to bust out our five favorites from the overall gambling space. Gambling is the setting rather than the content of this story and it’s all the better for it with the casino giving the film its heart and its edge while the engaging story of those who try and make money from it plays out.

“The Gambler” (Karel Reisz,

• Paul Newman may seem like the greatest billiards player of all time in The Hustler, but that doesn’t make his high stakes pool games feel any less like he’s about to lose it all.
• The film provides insight into the complexities of this underground world of power and wealth.
• As Bernie’s relationship with Natalie blossoms, it juxtaposes the newfound hope and authenticity found in human connection against the manufactured and exploitative hope sold within the casino walls.
• The top casino movies range from moody noire films to action-packed heists, so you’re certain to find something you like.
• No scientific studies have proven if Tom Cruise in the ‘80s could make anything cooler.

“California Split” was well-received by critics and casual viewers alike, with an 87% rating from critics and 83% from audiences. This movie takes a deep dive into the psyche of this cold character for a moody, complex story. It got overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, nabbing a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 79% audience score. After losing even more money, the mobsters eventually assault Ratner at his store, but he is all ready for them this time and traps them in the security room. In the meantime, he convinces his wife, Julia, to place a parlay bet hoping that he will make enough money to repay everyone, and he does as the bet wins. Craig’s character, the charismatic daredevil double-oh-seven, appears in the movie to play a game of cat and mouse against Le Chiffre, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, who is a criminal genius with a soft spot for poker.

Anticipated Casino Movie Releases in 2023

But as you will find out from the film this doesn’t come without some serious consequences. So, our list has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of classic casino games like poker, blackjack, or roulette or prefer to explore the darker side of the casino world. You can trust us to provide a fair and honest review of each movie and accurately portray the gambling world. As one of the best casino movies out there, “Casino” got several nominations for Oscars and Golden Globes. It earned a 79% rating from critics and a whopping 93% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes. Another great documentary series on Netflix, Untold takes a good hard look at some of the biggest scandals in sports – from match-fixing to doping and performance-enhancing substances.

The Gambler (

Our list begins with a modern classic, “Casino Royale,” where the world of espionage intersects with the equally risky poker realm. Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond redefined the character, bringing a gritty realism to the franchise. The film’s gripping central scene takes place at Montenegro’s luxurious Casino Royale, where Bond must outplay the sinister Le Chiffre in a nerve-racking game of Texas Hold’em poker. In this article, we explore the top 10 best casino movies of all time, providing you with cinematic gems that captivate both gambling aficionados and film lovers alike. 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.

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Those penalties come after the veteran was flagged six times in last week’s loss to the Vikings. The Texans had 12 penalties for 93 yards Sunday to give them 35 penalties combined in their past three games. They have 40 overall this season, which is the most in the NFL through Sunday’s games. Collins has remained Stroud’s favorite option this season despite the blockbuster offseason trade for four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. Stroud recalled the first time he worked out with the receiver after being drafted second overall by the Texans last year.

#4 – Cincinnati Kid (

• The two leads develop a legitimate friendship, too, one which mirrors the chemistry of the actors themselves.
• The two men agree to a high-stakes poker match, with the winner taking all.
• Ever hear about the underground gambling dens that were visited by multiple A-list celebrities?
• When he comes across a rare, expensive opal that should pay off his debts, the protagonist gets involved in some dicey deals.
• All the while, Charlie relies on his brother’s amazing mathematical skills to help him win big at every gaming table they come across during a stop in Las Vegas.
• She hosted one of the most exclusive underground poker games for the wealthy and powerful, including members of the Mafia, politicians, and celebrities.

On an annual basis, the town of Laredo, Texas becomes the epicenter for the most important poker game in the state. Five of the wealthiest men in the area come together to risk it all while an interested crowd watches them with bated breath. 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. When things become too tough to bear for the latest addition to the game, the ex-gambler’s wife steps in to take his place and defy the odds as she takes on her wealthier opposition. A down on his luck college professor hatches a get rich quick scheme with the aid of three students of his choosing. After being banned from the casinos within Ontario and Quebec, the professor relies on his card-counting experts to take his place at those casinos and gamble their way to big money.

Betting Against the Spread: A Complete Guide for Online Sports Gamblers

Bugsy met Virginia in Los Angeles and fell madly in love with her, which caused him to divorce his then-wife. One of the first things most gamblers learn is proper bankroll management to ensure their bankroll lasts throughout the season. The team of highly gifted individuals is trained by a professor at MIT (although, in reality, the actual blackjack team wasn’t started by a professor) and has plenty of success in its escapades before things begin going south. Like most gambling-related movies, Disney+ doesn’t currently have Eight Men Out in its lineup. Dubbed the “Black Sox,” the movie portrays one of the most famous (or, infamous) baseball teams of all-time. More than 100 years later and baseball historians are still talking about one of baseball’s biggest scandals ever.

Molly’s Game (

In fact, Alec Baldwin and Maria Bello were nominated at several respectable award associations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. The project follows the aftermath of a robbery that took place within a Mafia poker game. Kicking things off with a bit of an anomaly, The Hangover (2009) is the only clear-cut comedy movie on the entire list. That said, this modern hit is in the end definitely a film of actual quality, with positive ratings from critics and even a win at the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy. It’s considered one of the best poker films of all time and is credited with helping to popularize Texas Hold’em during the early 2000s poker boom. With new strict regulations on social distancing, Polish people shifted to working and playing from home.

Imagine a scene where a woman in a tight red silk dress confidently walks across the carpeted floor of a Las Vegas casino. She subtly signals a well-dressed gentleman seated at one of the blackjack tables before taking a seat at the next table, smiling at those already there. The game is on; they’re about to outsmart the casino at its own game. Therefore, “Casino” stands not merely as a masterpiece of cinema but as a profound societal commentary that continues to resonate with viewers across generations and cultural contexts. Directed by the masterful Martin Scorsese, “Casino” elucidates the tumultuous, often nefarious world of Las Vegas gambling during the potent era of the 1970s.

“The Cooler” (Wayne Kramer,

Memorable lines, moments, people…It really is the gambling movie all others will be measured against. It is no wonder why; Barbet Schroeder, also famous for big hits as Barfly, Reversal of Fortune, and Single White Female, was the director behind this crazy, enticing thriller. Jacques Dutronc plays the role of a charming man with a severe gambling addiction. His situation becomes more complicated when he gets entangled in the cheating schemes of another man. Watch this thriller and follow these gamblers’ inevitable road to doom. According to Matt Damon’s protagonist in “Rounders,” real poker players don’t gamble, they grind.

During the night out, one of the friends steals casino poker chips belonging to a gangster. However, they all request one of the friends who happens to be good at counting cards to help them win the money needed. It is an exhilarating ride from start to finish and definitely worth watching if you are a fan of gambling movies. The 1961 original is less concerned with a swaggering Tom Cruise–Paul Newman movie-star face-off and more focused on loyalty and integrity and ambition. Newman’s Fast Eddie Felson is like a more interesting version of Cruise’s character, and his battle to take down Jackie Gleason’s Minnesota Fats follows a more human, soulful narrative than a typical sports-movie arc. It’s better the less it is about the pool hustling … which is great, but keeps it lower on this list.

The movie storyline depicts Sam Ace’s rise to power as a casino operator. Sam Ace is a gambling expert who Chicago Outfit employs to run casino and hotel activities at Tangiers Casino. The incredible casino scene that captures many arises when two players bet $ on one roll of dice in a high–stakes game. This movie is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former professional skier who became one of the most successful poker players in the world. Released in 1995, Casino is a classic gambling movie that is based on the true story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a professional gambler and casino operator in Las Vegas.

The list of casino movies with realistic casino scenes is not limited. However, there is a depiction of a casino Hollywood experience listed above. The movie features James Caan, an English Professor who has a gambling addiction. The Professor uses most of his earnings to gamble and borrows more money from lenders if he needs money to bet.

• Every gambler that I’ve ever known can find their story in here, perfectly expressed.
• God of Gamblers (1989) stars Chow Yun-Fat as a master gambler losing his memory, while Freeze Out (2005) includes Tom Sharpe in an ugly high-stakes poker game.
• Mixon returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday and could be available this week.
• The movie was released a few months before Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 Series of Poker main event.
• 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.
• William H. Macy, in a role he was seemingly born to inhabit, plays the eponymous Bernie Lootz, who lives a dreary and sexless life in a rundown motel on the Las Vegas Strip.
• The world of casinos and the act of counting cards become a part of his new life while trying to prevent a young man from seeking revenge on a mutual enemy.
• Gambling is the setting rather than the content of this story and it’s all the better for it with the casino giving the film its heart and its edge while the engaging story of those who try and make money from it plays out.

The 1995 gambling movie directed by Martin Scorcese stars Robert De Niro as Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein, an oddsmaker from Chicago who attracts the attention of the Mafia for his skills with numbers. The movie, released in theaters in 2003, tells the story of Lootz, https://true-fortune.us/ 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). When a gambler was on a heater, Kaplow would send over Lootz to bring that guest bad luck and end a winning streak.

The story of law student Mike who, surprise surprise, is a bit of a gambling addict and loses all his cash and his journey of revenge and redemption against the man who sent him broke. The characters are great, especially the just about believable villain Teddy KGB, and the poker is the right side of plausible while also being ridiculous enough to be entertaining. This is less a tale of pool and more a tale of how we deal with losses, both financial and personal. If that all sounds a bit deep then it also features some of the best pool scenes recorded on film, some top quality betting action and an effortlessly cool performance from Paul Newman in the lead role. The tale of small-time pool hustler Eddie taking on the big time is one any gambler can empathise with and it features the same mix of hope, hubris, heroics and heartbreak we’ve all experienced.