Top 5 Gambling Movies
Rounders (1998) In this modern classic Matt Damon plays Mike McDermott, a New York law student who plays poker to pay his way through college. When he loses his savings in a $30,000 hand of poker he decides to quit the game. However, his old partner Worm (Ed Norton) persuades him to get back into it, with serious consequences. The tension mounts to a thrilling final game against the terrifying Teddy KGB played by John Malkovich. Apparently, this film is the main reason for poker’s growing popularity. Check it out if you haven’t already.
The Gambler (1974) James Caan plays New York University professor Axel Freed who teaches Dostoyevsky’s “The Gambler” to his students, and uses the book to justify his own gambling compulsion. The film is a frank portrayal of the dark and often violent world loan sharks. It tells the disturbing tale of a gambler bent on self destruction. Compelling stuff.
Casino (1995) Scorsese’s Casino was based on the book by Larry Shandling and Nicholas Pileggi and stars Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a casino empresario who was based on 70s Vegas Mafioso Frank Rosenthal. With the Mob behind him, Rothstein secretly runs a casino despite East Coast gambling charges. Joe Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, the mobster sent to protect Rothstein. Sharon Stone plays Rothstein’s lover Ginger McKenna, a former prostitute.
The Cincinnatti Kid (1965) Eric “The Kid” Stoner (Steve McQueen) is up against veteran card shard Lancey Howard, a veteran card shark (Edward G. Robinson) in this vintage classic. The two battle it out in 5-card stud, while underhand scores are settled. Howard’s one-time rival Slade (Rip Thorn) forces dealer Shooter (Karl Malden) to cheat so Howard loses. It feels a little archaic compared to the newer films, but the thrill of the poker game makes this one a must-see.
Guys and Dolls (1951) Another old favourite, Guys and Dolls boasts an illustrious cast of greats including Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. It was based on the Broadway musical, and is an all-singing all-dancing romp through New York’s underworld. Nathan Detroit (Sinatra) has to organize an unlicensed Craps game when the hot shots come to town, but all sorts of things stand in his way, from overbearing police chief Brannigan (Robert Keith), a $1000 bet and a pushy fiancee. With tunes like “Luck Be A Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat’, this is the most lighthearted film on our list, but deserves its place for its great cast and fast pace.
1 comment
If you are a Gambling.com member, please login at the top left of this page.
If you are not a Gambling.com member, please complete our sign up form—membership is free and it takes just a minute or two to sign up.
Posted by georgestam – 19 Oct 2007, 4:29 PM
I really like Guys and Dolls, Frank Sinatra is a legend. amazing guy