Casinos have long been used as settings for all sorts of movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to rom coms. This is perhaps because of the outlandish characters who tend to be drawn to such establishments, as well as the storylines that naturally arise from the sort of games that people flock to play both in land-based venues and through online platforms. In the real world, these online platforms provide casino bonuses and free spins for new players to enjoy, whereas in the movies they might provide an exciting plot point. Here we take note of some of the greatest casino-based movies ever to have graced the big screen, which all casino players will appreciate.
Las Vegas constantly has camera crews returning to the strip, where its huge casino structures often make for incredible film sets
The Hangover
2009 was the year this laugh-out-loud series got its big break and Las Vegas casinos were an integral part of the original movie’s success. Most of the outlandish action takes place in the suite that the movie’s protagonists hire at Caesars Palace.
Of course, the casino complex’s roof is also prominent in the plot, as the groom is left for a long period handcuffed to it. Never has being in a casino been so much fun, and no doubt the Las Vegas strip owes a debt of gratitude to The Hangover and stars, like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, who made a jaunt to Sin City fashionable again.
Monte Carlo and its famous casino have always been a go-to venue for producers and directors
Goldeneye and Never Say Never Again
007 has always had a penchant for casino games and one of the British spy’s favourite places to play is in the lap of luxury at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. The earlier Sean Connery movie tended to focus more on the narrow streets of the principality rather than the casino itself, whereas Pierce Brosnan was part of plenty of casino-based scenes, including one rather famous one where he pits his wits against Xenia Onatopp in a game of baccarat. Needless to say, Bond wins, and goes on to save the day.
Croupier
Movies set in casinos tend to focus on the players of casino games or those few individuals who are lucky or ruthless enough to own and operate a casino. Croupier set itself apart from the crowd by taking a different tack and homed in on the life of a croupier. Clive Owen gave his best ever performance working as a mercurial card dealer at the Sun City Resort, found in South Africa.
