by Robert Cowell
Recently, online poker became legalised in America which means that no matter where you are, you will always find entertainment with this favoured pastime. Online casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially since the pandemic which had everyone under lockdown. Online casinos are convenient because they allow you to play anywhere and at any time, including sites like Casino Days offering a wide variety of games, according to Japan-101. We have also seen the introduction of mobile casinos which now add a portable aspect that allows players to enjoy their favourite casino games on the go. If you are looking to explore new ways to feed your need for adrenaline and entertainment, this article will explore a list of the best gambling movies ever made that will get the job done.
Rain Man
Rain Man is a 1988 film starring Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. The film was directed by Barry Levinson and is about a car dealer named Charlie, who discovers that his estranged father died and that he has an autistic brother named Raymond, who his father left a $3million fortune to so that he can continue living in his mental institution. When Charlie discovers this, he checks Raymond out of the mental facility, and the two travel across the country to Las Angeles on a trip that will change their lives. Rain Man was one of the first casino movies that were shot in a real-life casino, which presented an opportunity for casinos to be portrayed in a beautiful light, which the audience was not accustomed to. The highlight casino scene was shot in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas where Raymond wins a large sum of money at the blackjack table to help his brother pay off his massive debt.
Molly’s game
Molly’s Game is a 2017 crime/drama starring Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba. The film is about a woman named Molly Bloom who operates a notorious and high-stake poker game for prominent mafia members and celebrities. Molly finds herself in a troubling situation after the FBI starts focusing its attention on her profile, making her a target. This movie was based on the true-life of Molly Bloom, who was a former champion skier forced to shift careers after being involved in an accident. This led to her attention falling onto group poker which is illegal but lucrative and highly addictive. This movie is full of thrills and emotions, which makes it an intriguing watch.
The Card Counter
The Card Counter stars Oscar Isaac and Tiffany Haddish and written and directed by Paul Schrader. The film is about a man named William Tell who is a former marine that turned into a professional gambler. In the film, he embarks on a mission to reform a young man who wants revenge on a past mutual enemy. William Tell wants to spend all his time playing cards; however, this young man who is blinded by revenge, completely disturbs his casino life. Throughout the movie, we follow Tell as he travels from casino to casino trying to find quiet control over his life while also hiding from his past.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is probably the most famous movie on this list, directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig as the legendary James Bond. The film is about James Bond who receives his infamous license to kill a man named Le Chiffre, who sponsors a terrorist organisation in Madagascar. After James Bond learns that Le Chiffre wants to raise money through a very high stake poker game, Bond decides to play against him. The film is filled with action and excitement.
21
Lastly, we have 21 directed by Australian Robert Luketic. This film stars Kate Bosworth, Jim Sturgess, and Kevin Spacey and is about a math professor who gathers together 5 of his most brilliant students so that he can use their skills to win millions playing blackjack in Las Vegas. This movie provides interesting insight into the science behind smart gambling which makes it one of the most epic gambling movies to watch.
