Gambling is well-known as one of the biggest pastimes in the world. All types of gambling are incredibly popular, and some have made their way into the world of cinema. Some of the most iconic films from the best filmmakers show gambling. But which films are the best?
Uncut Gems
We are starting with uncut gems, as it is the most recent one on the list and also my favorite. This film stars Adam Sandler and is about a New York City jeweler who places a bet on a player who comes into his shop. This film is one of the most stressful experiences we have ever had watching a film. It shows the ups and downs that come with gambling. It is one of the best examples of sports betting on the big screen, and it is a magnificent film on top of that.
Casino
This is probably the most well-known film on the list, a certified classic by some of the best filmmakers of all time. Starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, it is based on a true story and happens to also be a mob film. The film is about how the mob dominated a casino in Las Vegas during the 1970s. It is a great film and very popular. The stress this film shows has to do with the mob side of it compared to the betting side. The fact that this is a true story is probably why people play games online with low deposit amounts, as there is no chance that you run into the mob when playing online.
The Hangover
While The Hangover is probably not seen as a gambling film, gambling is a big part of it. One of the most popular films of this generation, it is loved by many and remembered as being hilarious. The basic premise of the film is about a bachelor party that goes to Las Vegas. Any film that takes place in or even near Las Vegas will contain betting, and the gambling scene is very iconic and well-remembered. A true classic film and a staple watch for anyone. The reason people like The Hangover is because of their friendship; the way they talk and act is how friends talk and act. It is a little dramatized to make it interesting, but it is a very relatable film and a good one at that.
Mollys Game
Another true story, but this one is based on a woman who held underground and exclusive poker games for the extremely wealthy. The fact that this film is a true story makes it that much more interesting, as we all want to know the real people who played in these exclusive tournaments and who won. Thankfully, because the games were partially published by Molly herself and because her assets were seized, we know a few names that were involved in the games. Unfortunately, there will be many more; we may never know.
Rain Man
This is a massive film from the 1980s that features Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, who travel cross-country. This is as much of the plot as we can give you without saying too much. During the cross-country trip, they make a stop in Las Vegas for a few games of blackjack. This scene is well known for showing how casinos were three decades ago and being realistic, even in its small depiction of gambling.
Conclusion
As we were writing this, we realized how many great films have gambling scenes or are about gambling, and we had to leave some off, sadly enough. Gambling is as popular today as it ever has been, and we expect more and more films to show gambling, as it is fun to watch it in the films and TV shows we watch.
