Famous Casino Movies

Whether it’s in the bright lights of Sin City or in a dark backroom, gambling is a compelling topic for films. Here are a few of the best.

Croupier stars Clive Owen as an aspiring but broke writer who takes a job as a croupier to learn the ins and outs of casino gambling. This moody film delves into the crippling addiction and anxiety that comes with throwing away money.

The Hustler (1961)

This Martin Scorsese classic stars the incredible duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. It is a drama that tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, who manages casinos for the Mob. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves gambling movies.

The movie is not a feel-good film and the main character Felson is described as a loser in most of the film. But it is a great tale of the power of grit and determination. It also teaches viewers about the psychology of gambling and how to win by knowing when to quit. The movie is full of action and excitement. In addition to this, it is well acted by Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason. It was placed on the National Film Registry in 1997.

California Split (1974)

While it is not as entertaining as the previous film on this list, The Cooler still deserves a place as one of the best gambling movies. It features William H. Macy as Bernie Lootz, a professional “cooler” who brings bad luck to the gambling tables, including those of Alec Baldwin’s casino owner character. However, realism takes a backseat to comedy and Maria Bello’s weary cocktail waitress.

This is a classic story of two gamblers that Robert Altman treats with casual realism. Elliot Gould and George Segal are both excellent as their characters, while Joseph Walsh’s semi-autobiographical script is a winner. This movie also features great performances from a cast that is as star-studded as any other on this list. It was well received by audiences and critics alike.

The Gambler (2014)

The best casino movies are about so much more than just action and suspense. They’re also about desperation, comedy, and other emotions.

This movie starring Mel Gibson is a hilarious take on illegal gambling. It’s a movie that has a lot of heart and is definitely worth watching.

William H. Macy stars as Bernie Lootz, a professional loser who can ruin anyone’s luck at the craps tables. He’s working to pay off his debts to Alec Baldwin’s tough-guy casino manager, but a new relationship with a cocktail waitress (Maria Bello) might change his ways. The film’s realism takes a back seat to likability and crowd-pleasing sentiment. But it’s still one of the most entertaining casino films ever made. It’s a must-see for any hardcore gambler.

Molly’s Game (2017)

The dazzling directorial debut from Aaron Sorkin brought a fascinating story of former Olympic skier Molly Bloom into the spotlight. It’s an engrossing film, from its ominous opening robbery to the heady rush of her illegal underground poker games. The cast, including Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, delivers Sorkin’s famous dialogue with aplomb.

Realism takes a backseat to romance and crowd-pleasing sentiment in this likable indie, but that doesn’t diminish its appeal. William H. Macy is a losing craps player whose presence at the casino’s table brings bad luck to other players. He tries to work off what he owes to Alec Baldwin’s tough-guy casino boss, but a weary cocktail waitress (Maria Bello) may change his luck. It’s a compelling tale of addiction and lust for money.

The Gambler (1998)

If you like a movie with a darker side, this is one of the best gambling movies you can watch. It stars Mark Wahlberg as a professor drowning in blackjack debts and self-destructive impulses. The movie is a thriller and an interesting movie about the dangers of gambling.

Another interesting movie centered around gambling is 21. This movie is based on the true story of six MIT students who learned how to count cards and beat the casinos at their own game.

This film is the work of director Aaron Sorkin, who wrote it as well. It is a biographical drama about Molly Bloom, who ran underground poker games for celebrities and wealthy individuals. The movie is compelling and exciting, and it has great acting from the cast.