Rolling The Dice: The Greatest Risky Movies Of All Time

by Brooke Adlam

Whether scenes are taking place in a glitzy Vegas venue or a smoky underground game, an array of wagers will always bring drama, tension, and excitement to the big screen. There have been many brilliant films over the years that perfectly encapsulate the risk and thrill of testing your luck, with characters engaging in high-stakes activities that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. So, what are some of the best must-see movies of all time? Get ready to roll the dice and discover some of the greatest movies throughout history.

Oceans 11

One of the first films that springs to mind when discussing gambling and casinos is Oceans 11. This immensely popular heist movie features a star-student cast including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Bernie Mac. The film involves a high-stakes heist taking place at 3 Las Vegas casinos, so it is a feast for the senses and a film that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Casino

Of course, Casino is another film that will always come to mind, not just because of the title. Martin Scorsese’s gritty drama explores the dark underbelly of Las Vegas and the mob’s involvement in the casinos. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, all in their prime, so it is widely considered to be one of the best films of the ’90s.

Casino Royale

2006’s Casino Royale breathed new life into the James Bond franchise with Daniel Craig in his debut role as the iconic spy with a darker tone than previous films. The film features an excruciatingly tense game of poker where Bond must defeat a terrorist financier. In addition to the high stakes, the glitz and glamour of the film add to the allure.

Rounders

It is not always glitzy casinos that make gambling films so appealing, as demonstrated by 1998’s Rounders. Starring Matt Damon and Ed Norton, Rounders follows two friends who immerse themselves in the seedy underground poker scene in New York as they attempt to win a high-stakes game to pay off a large debt. Fortunately, you do not have to go to a seedy underground poker game or a Las Vegas casino to enjoy poker and other casino games. You can find legal online casinos that allow you to play from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an Internet connection. You can compare the best casinos online to find places with the best games, secure payment options, and deals and promotions to take advantage of.

21

21 follows a math professor at MiT (Kevin Spacey) who recruits 5 of his most talented students to use their exceptional mathematics skills to count cards and win millions of dollars at blackjack in a Las Vegas casino.