Gambling and casino culture has a rich history dating back centuries. The first ‘casino’ was established in ancient Rome in the 6th century, and the first proper casino was built in Venice in 1638.
Since then, gambling has spread across the world, with games like blackjack and roulette emerging in Europe during the 17th century. Evidence of games played for money dates back to ancient Egypt and China.
The popularity of gambling and casinos has also inspired many movies and shows, offering a glimpse into the thrilling, risky, and sometimes glamorous world of gambling.
Whether you prefer the skill and strategy of poker, the luck and chance of roulette, or the drama and intrigue of casino heists, there is something for everyone who enjoys gambling and casino culture.
In this article, we will explore some of the best movies and shows about gambling and casinos, and what makes them so captivating. We will also provide information about the fastest withdrawal casinos.
The Most Exciting Gambling-Themed Hollywood Movies
Hollywood has produced many movies that feature gambling as a central theme or a major plot element. Some of these movies are based on true stories, while others are fictional or inspired by real events. Here are some of the most exciting gambling-themed Hollywood movies that you should watch:
- Casino (1995): This movie is based on the true story of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a professional gambler who ran four casinos in Las Vegas for the mob in the 1970s and 1980s. The movie depicts his rise and fall, as well as his relationship with his wife Ginger, played by Sharon Stone, who won an Oscar nomination for her performance.
- The movie also features Robert De Niro as Rosenthal’s friend and partner Sam “Ace” Rothstein, and Joe Pesci as his violent enforcer Nicky Santoro. The movie is directed by Martin Scorsese, who is known for his realistic and gritty portrayal of crime and violence.
- Rounders (1998): This movie is about Mike McDermott, a law student who is also a talented poker player. He loses his entire bankroll to a Russian mobster named Teddy “KGB”, played by John Malkovich, and vows to quit gambling. However, he is drawn back into the poker world when his friend Worm, played by Edward Norton, gets out of prison and needs his help to pay off his debts.
- The movie features many famous poker players and celebrities in cameo roles, such as Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Famke Janssen, Martin Landau, and Matt Damon as McDermott. The movie is widely regarded as one of the best movies about poker ever made.
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001): This movie is a remake of the 1960 film of the same name, starring Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack friends. The movie follows Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, who recruits a team of eleven experts to rob three casinos owned by his rival Terry Benedict, played by Andy Garcia.
- The movie boasts an impressive cast of stars, such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Carl Reiner, and Casey Affleck. The movie is known for its witty dialogue, clever heist scenes, and stylish cinematography.
The Cooler (2003): This movie is about Bernie Lootz, played by William H. Macy, who works as a “cooler” at a Las Vegas casino. A cooler is someone who has such bad luck that he can make other gamblers lose by being near them. Bernie’s luck changes when he falls in love with Natalie, played by Maria Bello, a waitress at the casino.
However, his boss Shelly Kaplow, played by Alec Baldwin, who received an Oscar nomination for his role, does not want Bernie to leave his job or be happy. The movie explores the themes of fate, luck
