Gambling movies combine witty strategies, bold characters, suspense, and high-stakes drama to deliver cherished memories. Whether you are a fan of poker, blackjack, or just love risk-taking themes, movies about gambling will keep you thrilled and informed. Our guide features the 10 best gambling movies and summaries of each film. We have sorted the movies on this list according to the opinions of viewers on iMDB-website.
10. The Gambler
Release Year: 2014
Game in the Film: Roulette
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, Jessica Lange
IMDb Rating: 6.0
This top gambling movie is a remake of the 1974 version and explores the negative side of gambling addiction. Jim Bennette, a literature professor, is addicted to roulette wheels and underground games, which lead him to borrow from loan sharks and end up wagering carelessly. His gaming habit gets out of control, influencing intense moments throughout the film.
The Gambler is among the good gambling movies that warn about the negative effects of gambling addiction and illustrate the importance of responsible gambling.
9. The Card Counter
Release Year: 1961
Game in the Film: Blackjack
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Tiffany Haddish, Oscar Isaac
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Directed by Paul Schrader, this gambling movie focuses on William Tell, an ex-military interrogator who turns to a professional gambler and wins at poker tournaments and blackjack using the card counting strategy. He carefully balances his wins and travels between casinos to avoid drawing attention, haunted by his past.
The Card Counter is worth watching. While the counting technique may not apply to online gaming due to the use of RNG systems, the risks of being caught, bankroll management, and discipline are valuable lessons for all gamblers.
8. The Color of Money
Release Year: 1986
Game in the Film: Pool
Starring: Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, Mary Elizabeth
IMDb Rating: 7.0
This movie is a sequel to The Hustler, and it’s about an ageing Eddie Felson training a younger player (Vincent) on hustling unskilled opponents in 9-ball pool tournaments, manipulating the odds, and managing losses. The film has a cautionary tone, portraying Vincent as an individual who has thrown away his life in a game that doesn’t love him back.
If you are looking for the best movies about gambling, The Color of Money is worth trying. The film emphasizes the importance of applying strategy as opposed to merely playing to win big.
✅ Interesting fact: Paul Newman won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for this movie, which many people perceived as a recognition for the predecessor, The Hustler.
7. Rounders
Release Year: 1998
Game in the Film: Poker
Starring: Matt Darmon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich
IMDb Rating: 7.3
In this movie directed by John Dahl, a young poker player and law student, Mike McDermott, tries to stay away from the gambling world, but he is eventually drawn back by his friend to help him pay off debts. The film revolves around the underground high-stakes poker culture, and the odds, debts, and bankroll push the storyline.
Rounders ranks among the top gambling movies that teach about strategy, bankroll management, discipline, and patience, making it worth watching.
✅ Interesting fact: This movie features realistic card-playing sequences and takes credit for the boom in poker, especially Texas Hold ‘em, in the early 2000s.
6. Molly’s Game
Release Year: 2017
Game in the Film: Poker
Starring: Idris Elba, Jessica Chastain, Kevin Costner
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Molly’s Game is a biographical drama based on the true story of Molly Bloom. She is a former skier who operated high-stakes underground poker games for Hollywood celebrities, athletes, and business moguls. The top casino movie features no-limit poker and exclusive large buy-ins.
The film shouldn’t be missed, especially for online poker players who adore the importance of discipline and the risk of operating against the law.
5. Uncut Gems
Release Year: 2019
Game in the Film: Betting
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin Garnett, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Uncut Gems is among the top gambling movies on Netflix, where Howard Ratner, a New York Jeweller and gambler, makes a series of debts while juggling between debt and danger. The gems trader takes huge bets on sports, especially parlay and prop bets in the NBA, which pushes him to borrow loans from sharks and collateralize in a bid to stay afloat.
This film is one of the best casino movies with a cautionary theme that warns about the effects of gambling addiction, chasing your losses, and taking unmanageable risks.
4. Ocean’s Eleven
Release Year: 2001
Game in the Film: Slot Machines, Table Games, Betting
Starring: Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Brad Pitt
IMDb Rating: 7.7
In our selection of movies on gambling, Ocean’s Eleven had the most stylish heist, where Danny Ocean organizes his crew to rob three Las Vegas Casinos. The backdrop is formed by slot machines, poker tables, and the casino floor.
Though Ocean’s Eleven is not among the best casino films that focus on casino betting strategies, you may find the tense atmosphere amid the heist enjoyable and worth your time.
3. The Hustler
Release Year: 1961
Game in the Film: Pool
Starring: Jackie Gleason, Paul Newman
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Among the oldest gambling films on pool hustling is The Hustler, starring Fast Eddie, a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a destructive attitude. He moves across pool halls to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats, playing single high-stakes matches. The game of pool, set in the atmosphere of smoke-filled halls, influences the character and reputation of the players.
Though it’s not among the movies with casinos, The Hustler is worth watching. It has relatable concepts like managing the pressure of high stakes and mastering when to walk away in a game.
2. Casino
Release Year: 1995
Games in the Film: Slot Machines, Table Games, Betting
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Among the popular movies about casino betting set in the 1970s and 80s is Casino. This film is based on the mafia in Las Vegas, where Sam Rothstein, a sports handicapper who turns into a casino boss, manipulates games for the mob. The movie features table games, slots, and sports betting to show the mob influence in Vegas.
Casino is one of the best gambling films that teaches the need for oversight and how the house edges and odds in a game work.
1. The Sting
Release Year: 1973
Game in the Film: Betting
Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
IMDb Rating: 8.2
The Sting is our best pick in the casino movies list, thanks to its subtle and smartly written storyline. Precisely, it’s the tale of two cons who plan to rob a mob boss. The movie features betting parlours, specifically horse racing, as a medium for the con.
Standing out as our top choice for movies about betting, this film is a must-watch classic that offers insight into the importance of vigilance and awareness of manipulation in online gaming.
✅ Interesting fact: The Sting won the Best Picture and Best Director Oscar Awards in 1974.
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