We’ve come a long way since the first feature-length movie ever showed in a theatre in 1906. Yet our love affair with movies has not waned.
People still flock to the cinema in 2022 in their millions. From Australia to America, movie goers are eager to see the latest blockbuster as soon as it’s released.
Now we have more access to movies than ever before. We can:
- Buy a ticket and see it in the cinema
- Rent it from an online platform for a limited period
- Stream it on a variety of platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu
So far The Batman is topping the highest earning movies of 2022, but there’s a long way to go yet. Although we’ve seen many iterations of the caped crusader, audiences still want more.
Certain genres and scenes are always popular with audiences, which is why big studios continue to invest.
The popularity of casino scenes in movies
The association between casinos and movies has been there since classics like Casablanca. In modern day movies we’ve seen recent casino scenes in Molly’s Game, The Hangover and Casino Royale.
It’s not just the anticipation that casino games create, but the glamour that surrounds it. The lights, the bells, the cool and collected demeanor of a well-dressed croupier.
That’s why, even though people are playing online casino from their sofa, they still want to see casino scenes. It’s the whole package, casinos make us think of money, class and calculated decisions.
The excitement before the dice falls and the tension before the last card is turned. The risks when it’s a high stakes bet make you feel glued to the screen.
People can win big or lose everything on the casino floor. It’s where lives are made or broken, which is why a lot of emotions are flying around too.
All these things make for excellent cinema viewing.
Some people may never have set foot in Vegas, Macau or Monte Carlo, so they’re curious to see them. Many of the scenes are shot in historic places with ornate decor and plush red velvet curtains.
It’s like glimpsing a different world, which is really what movies are all about.
Best casino scenes in movies
For those craving some excellent casino action, the following movies are a good place to start.
- Casino Royale
This James Bond movie, with Daniel Craig filling the secret agent’s shoes, tops every best casino scenes list. Bond comes up against arch villain LeChiffre who’s hosting a game of Texas Hold’Em.
It’s hard to believe that this sequence lasts around 30 minutes in the movie, because it flies by. It didn’t just look realistic, the players were all trained by European Poker Championship winner Tom Sambrook.
The scene plays out at a hotel in Montenegro. Bond is lucky enough to have his stake paid by MI6, which would be a dream for anyone.
LeChiffre needs to win to appease his clients who are global terrorists. Bond is out to bankrupt him and throw a spanner in the works of this international network.
We see Bond and LeChiffre in three showdowns, but giving anymore away will spoil the thrill. Needless to say, it’s unexpected and there’s some action off the table between the cards.
- Casino
Yes, there’s a running theme here with the names, although it ends with this one. This 1995 Martin Scorcese features Robert De Niro in the main role so you know you’re in good hands.
Unsurprisingly there are many scenes set in the casino during this movie. However, it’s the one where casino operator Sam Rothstein (known as Ace) observes a game of craps.
This is no ordinary game of craps – two players drop $200,000 on a single roll of the dice. However, Ace is not a man to be trifled with, so the scene doesn’t play out how one might expect.
The movie has quite a few memorable casino moments.
- Rounders
With a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Edward Norton and John Malkovich, this movie is a good watch. From Mike borrowing $10,000 from his old professor to the games played throughout the movie, it keeps you interested.
It’s the final scene that gets the heart racing though. It’s a showdown, a winner takes it all Texas Hold’em game where the tension is palpable.
No giveaways here, but it’s recommended viewing.
- Ocean’s Eleven
This first Ocean’s movie got everybody talking. It was slick, quick and so smooth, set in and around the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Arguably one of the best crime capers of the last 20 years, it has humour and a well executed plot. It pays tribute to the casino capital of the world and it’s a lot of fun.
Arguably, much of the movie is shot in the casino, so it’s not just about the action on the tables. There is a fantastic poker scene where Rusty (Brad Pitt) is teaching a bunch of young stars how to play.
Best of the Rest
In fact, several more films could be added to the list:
- The Cooler
- Rain Man
- The Color of Money
- Run Lola Run
If you need to indulge in a little thrilling card or table action, then look no further.
