Five Must-See Gambling Movies

Photo by Alex Munsell on Unsplash

Gambling hasn’t always been as a broad spectrum topic as it is today. This may be due to the ever-changing state laws and the regular appearance of casinos online, or it could be because there have been some really wicked must see gambling movies produced, directed and screened over the last decade.

Either way, it’s safe to say the gambling scene is rather popular. As such, here are five of the must-see gambling movies of all time listed below.

The Gambler (2014)

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Based on the American drama film from 1974, the remake stars Mark Wahlberg as the lead and was one of the best gambling movie remakes history has ever seen. The plot is based around a professor who uses gambling as a weapon of self-destruction. The professor finds himself feeling into a deep web of underground gambling, loan sharks and potential death if he cannot repay the money he owes. The movie takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster of action and thought provoking awareness.

Rounders (1998)

Director: John Dahl

One of the most notorious gambling movies ever made is Rounders from 1998. The plot focuses on an exceptionally talented Matt Damon who plays the part of a law student lusting after the World Series of Poker title. As the story would have it, the law student loses everything he has to an underground gaming mobster and while trying to stay on the straight and narrow is lured back into the intense underground world of gambling alongside Edward Norton. The story is enrapturing and remains a classic.

Casino (1995)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Directed by one of the most respected directors in showbiz, Casino is and will always remain one of the greatest legendary films ever produced. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone, the three famous actors tell a story about how a small time mobster takes over the reins of running a casino in Vegas and how his ex-wife and her con artist ex put De Niro in growing danger throughout the movie.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Director: Steven Soderbergh

We think every movie fan loves and knows the Ocean’s series. Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen all include a number of intricate robberies and crimes. But Ocean’s Eleven is the one that shook the movie industry. The plot is played out by a number of famous actors with big movie star names including George Clooney as the lead, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and several others. The movie is funny, intense and incredibly well thought out.

21 (2008)

Director: Robert Luketic

21, standing for Blackjack, tells the story of a professor who trains and uses a group of students he teaches to count cards and steal from a casino. The story is intense and shows an amazing plot with a great twist.

There are a number of great casino movies out there and judging by the return of the casino scene, we can safely assume we will be seeing a score more of casino-based new movie releases.