Movies About Gambling You Need to Watch
Casino (1995)
The plot follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein, portrayed by De Niro, a professional gambler entrusted by the mafia to oversee the operations of the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Ace is known for his attention to detail and his expertise in gambling, making him an ideal candidate for this high-stakes position. Under his management, the casino thrives, but this success comes with its challenges related to illicit activities.
Joe Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, Ace’s childhood friend, and an enforcer sent by the mob to protect their interests. Nicky’s character is volatile and aggressive, often resorting to violence to achieve his goals. His actions create significant tension and complications, drawing unwanted attention from law enforcement and escalating conflicts within the crime syndicate.
Sharon Stone’s character, Ginger McKenna, starts as a high-class escort and eventually marries Ace, though their relationship is fraught with issues. Ginger’s struggles with substance abuse and her complicated loyalties add further layers of tension to the already intricate plot. Stone’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Scorsese’s direction emphasizes the duality of the casino world—its glamorous facade and the darker realities behind it. The film’s narrative structure, bolstered by voice-over narration from both Ace and Nicky, provides insight into their thoughts and motivations, giving the audience a deeper understanding of their characters.
Screenwriters Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese, who also collaborated on “Goodfellas,” base the story on real events. Pileggi’s book, “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas,” serves as the foundation for the screenplay, ensuring that the adaptation retains the depth and complexity of the source material.
Rounders (1998)
The story follows Mike McDermott, a law student and talented poker player portrayed by Matt Damon. Mike dreams of winning the World Series of Poker and has the skills to make it a reality. After a disastrous game against a Russian mobster named Teddy KGB, played by John Malkovich, Mike loses his entire bankroll and decides to quit gambling and focus on his studies and relationship with his girlfriend, Jo, portrayed by Gretchen Mol.
Edward Norton plays Lester “Worm” Murphy, Mike’s childhood friend and a fellow poker player with a knack for getting into trouble. Worm is released from prison and quickly drags Mike back into the world of underground poker. The dynamic between Mike and Worm is central to the film, highlighting themes of loyalty, friendship, and the risks of associating with the wrong people.
As Mike is drawn deeper into high-stakes games to help Worm pay off his debts, he is forced to confront the sacrifices he’s made and the life he left behind. The screenplay, written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, skillfully captures the intricacies of poker, making it accessible and engaging even for those unfamiliar with the game.
The film’s cinematography, by Jean-Yves Escoffier, effectively captures the atmosphere of smoky poker rooms and dimly lit bars, immersing the audience in the gritty world of underground gambling. The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, enhancing the suspense and drama inherent in the game.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
The plot centers around Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, a charismatic and resourceful thief who has just been released from prison. Upon his release, Danny quickly devises an ambitious plan to rob three of the most prominent casinos in Las Vegas: the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand, all owned by the powerful and ruthless businessman Terry Benedict, portrayed by Andy Garcia. Danny’s motivation is also driven by a desire to win back his ex-wife, Tess, played by Julia Roberts, who is now dating Benedict.
To execute this elaborate heist, Danny assembles a team of eleven specialists, each with unique skills important for the job. Brad Pitt plays Rusty Ryan, Danny’s right-hand man and a seasoned con artist. Matt Damon portrays Linus Caldwell, a talented pickpocket eager to prove himself. Other team members include a demolitions expert, a casino insider, a contortionist, and others, each adding their flair to the operation.
The movie’s structure allows viewers to gradually uncover the details of the heist, maintaining a sense of anticipation throughout. The dialogue is crisp and often humorous, enhancing the dynamic between characters and making the film a joy to watch.
“Ocean’s Eleven” was a commercial and critical success, praised for its stylish execution, engaging plot, and charismatic cast. Its success led to two sequels, “Ocean’s Twelve” and “Ocean’s Thirteen,” which continued the story of Danny Ocean and his team.
21 (2008)
The story centers around Ben Campbell, played by Jim Sturgess, a brilliant but financially struggling MIT student who dreams of attending Harvard Medical School. Despite his academic prowess, Ben cannot afford the tuition fees and desperately seeks a way to finance his education. His opportunity arises when he is recruited by his math professor, Micky Rosa, played by Kevin Spacey, to join a secretive group of students who use their mathematical skills to count cards and win big in Las Vegas blackjack games.
Mickey Rose, a cunning and manipulative character, trains Ben and the other members of the team in the art of card counting, a legal but frowned upon strategy in casinos. The team, which includes characters played by Kate Bosworth and Aaron Yu, travels to Las Vegas on weekends, using a signaling system and team play to avoid detection.
Ben quickly becomes the star player, racking up significant winnings that bring him closer to his dream. The high-roller lifestyle begins to affect him, straining his relationships with friends and leading him into conflicts with teammates. The film captures the tension and excitement of the high-stakes environment, juxtaposing it against Ben’s personal struggles and ethical dilemmas.
Laurence Fishburne plays Cole Williams, a seasoned casino security enforcer dedicated to cracking down on card counters. His character adds an element of danger to the story, embodying the relentless pursuit of those who challenge the casino’s odds. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Ben and Cole intensifies as the team’s success draws more scrutiny.
“21” explores themes such as ambition, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of money. As Ben becomes more entrenched in the world of card counting, he grapples with the costs of his decisions. The film examines how far one is willing to go to achieve their dreams and the ethical compromises one might make along the way.