There’s no denying the popularity of gambling as a pastime for so many different people and cultures all around the world. In fact, it remains to be one of the largest and most lucrative industries in the world even though many casinos were forced into temporary or permanent closure as a result of the pandemic. This is in large part due to the fact that many gamblers still had the opportunity to hop online and play their favorite casino games on various online platforms. These days, many casino operators are allowed to cater to audiences and markets in countries that span the entire globe. Many national governments are looking at the online gambling industry and see it as a potential goldmine for tax revenue. This is why so many efforts are being made into the legalization and regulation of online gambling services in many different states and countries.
Gambling has always been a popular hobby for many individuals and that isn’t changing anytime soon. It has even served as a source of inspiration for so many features in mainstream media and pop culture. Many iconic performances in gambling movies indicate that the world of casino gambling itself makes for solid source material when it comes to creating a story. The storification of the gambling world isn’t purely limited to just movies either. In fact there are a few TV shows that have capitalized on the popularity of gambling as an artform and have experienced mass success as well. Here are some of the most popular casino-based TV shows of all time.
World Poker Tour (2002)
The World Poker Tour is perhaps considered to be the most prestigious poker tournament in the world. It’s a large tournament comprising the best poker players who hail from various parts of the globe. They all congregate in one place to play a long tournament until only one person emerges victorious and claims the rights to the coveted championship. Some of the biggest names of poker have walked through the halls of the World Poker Tour. Of course, the TV show doesn’t broadcast every single table. But given that there are so many live games at any given moment, the show often features some of the most interesting hands that are being played.
Breaking Vegas (2004)
Breaking Vegas is a TV show that surged to popularity back in 2004. It gave viewers a deeper insight into how casinos work and how people over the years have resorted to different strategies to cheat in the casino industry. It’s a very interesting show that is bound to captivate lovers of gambling and casino enthusiasts of any level.
Poker after Dark (2007)
Poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino games in the world. This is mostly due to the fact that it uniquely separates itself from other casino games in terms of its strategy. Unlike other casino games, poker requires a great deal of strategy in order to succeed. Where other games require mere luck and statistics, poker requires a more nuanced approach to betting. Aside from that, poker is a game that pits players against one another instead of against the casino. This can sometimes generate a lot of drama which makes for great television. Poker After Dark is one of those TV shows that highlights some of the most dramatic moments that are being played on high-roller poker tables in Vegas. It’s a real show that broadcasts real games with actual money and compelling drama. It’s a beloved show that many poker enthusiasts have fallen in love with.
Luck (2011)
While Luck isn’t necessarily a casino-based TV show in the strict sense of the world, it still deserves a spot on this list because of how good it is. It’s a gambling-centric series that is rooted in horse race betting as its central foundation. It gives viewers a very intimate glimpse into the world of horse betting and the many nuances that come with this pastime. It shows that the horse race betting industry can be just as interesting and as exciting as traditional casino gambling itself. As long as you’re a fan of gambling in general, then you’re sure to enjoy Luck.
