Powerless Movie

Hollywood certainly has a close relationship with it Nevada neighbor city, Las Vegas. Every year, more and more gambling movies come out, each showing the glamorous and the not-so-glamorous side of Sin City. From ultra-complex casino heists to gambling disasters, we’ve covered all of the top five gambling movie moments.

1. “I can’t do that.” – Casino

No gaming movie list is complete without a mention of Casino. This 1990s mafioso-gambling movie is one of the best around. It’s hard to pick just one moment from this film to mention. There’s the endless swearing (just under 400 f-words throughout the film, each one more gratuitous than the last), the ridiculous violence, or the complex and interesting storyline.

If you’re a Scorsese fan, you’ll love it. If you like gambling, you’ll love it. Like crime movies? You get the idea.

2. “Oh, and the valet ticket.” – Casino Royale

It’s hard to believe that people doubted Daniel Craig’s ability to play Bond. This series reboot was just what 007 needed; a recharged, tougher, less space-age reinvention. Thankfully, between the boosted violence and incredible stunts is one of the most sophisticated and thrilling gambling sequences of any Bond film.

There’s nothing quite like losing a lot of money, betting a car, and leaving the table with more than you arrived with, especially when you’ve just fought away a heart attack in your Aston Martin.

3. “Always double down on 11.” – Swingers

Ok, ok, so Swingers isn’t a gambling movie. That’s not what matters. What’s important is that it’s got one of the funniest and most honest portrayals of Las Vegas around. It’s 12 at night, two guys are bored in Los Angeles, and the casino games capital of the world is just a few hours away. Of course, they’re both broke, completely incompetent when it comes to gambling, and heartbroken over a rough breakup. Sounds like a recipe for success, right?

Swingers isn’t just the quintessential guy comedy, it’s one of Vince Vaughn’s best movies ever. The Vegas scenes are just a few of many ridiculous moments. If you’re a fan of blackjack, swing music, or SEGA Hockey,  pick it up.

4. “Let’s play some cards.” – Rounders

Rounders is one of the best modern gambling movies around – certainly better than the crummy Italian Job remake and the mostly fictional Ben Mezrich movie. The problem with modern gambling movies is that they’re soft – flaws are glossed over to make characters more sick, and drama gets invented. Rounders has none of that. Sure, Matt Damon’s character is a little standard, but Edward Norton’s sleaze-bag poker fiend more than makes up for it.

Check out the local police poker game scene. More thrilling than any casino heist, this small scene could be the pivotal moment in any other gambling movie. While the poker techniques aren’t 100% accurate, watching this movie makes you want to get up, go to the casino, and (try to) win it all.

5. “Na, I’d only blow it.” – The Sting

Half gambling movie, half ambitious heist, The Sting is one of the best movies of all time, with so many great moments it’s hard to think of just one. Split into seven sections, this elaborate con movie is required viewing for anyone looking to master gambling strategy, confidence tricks, or psychological games.

Even with the rise of online casino games, there is never the same excitement and thrill of playing on the casino floor.  These Top 5 Gambling Movie Moments, relight the fire of excitement, and puts playing at a real table in Las Vegas in a completely different ball park to any online casino.

Filed under: Gambling - Movies
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