Do you like gambling and are looking for an interesting way to learn more about the world of gambling? Then it is recommended to enjoy gambling movies. In addition, movies are a good way to distract yourself and keep yourself busy if you have decided not to visit online casinos for a while. If you have decided to self-exclude from, take time to watch the following movies:
“Gamblers Without Scruples” (1974)
This drama film directed by Karel Reisz and starring Paul Sorvino and James Caan is a classic film about gambling addiction. Although this film was made in 1974, it still enjoys particular popularity. Screenwriter James Toback, who used to suffer from gambling addiction, used his own life in the film’s script.
The film’s protagonist Axel Freed (James Caan) is not only a Harvard professor from Great Britain and a writer, but also a person with a gambling addiction. Freed steals more than €40,000 from his mother Naomi (Jacqueline Brookes), travels to Las Vegas and gambles his way to this sum of money. To chase his losses, the professor gets involved in risky deals. This brilliant film is an excellent portrayal of the double life that gambling addicts can lead.
“Casino” (1995)
This film about Las Vegas was directed by Martin Scorsese. The film shows two sides of Las Vegas. On the one hand, luxury, pathos and glamour, on the other hand, brutal showdowns and crime. The film’s protagonists, Sam Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, are based on real people, a casino manager in Las Vegas, Frank Lawrence “Lefty” Rosenthal (1929-2008), and a mobster and mafioso Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro (1938-1986), whose activities were also connected to Las Vegas. The main character Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) lives peacefully with his wife. But Rothstein’s mafia buddy Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) shows up in Vegas and soon ruins Sam’s life. If you are interested in the history of Las Vegas, you should definitely watch this crime film.
“Rounders” (2008)
The focus of the plot is Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), who is not only a law student, but also a talented and successful poker player. One day, the poker player loses most of his fortune to a Russian mafioso (John Malkovich) and decides to stop gambling. But everything changes when his friend Lester “Worm” Murphy (Edward Norton) returns from prison. He owes the Russian mafioso a sum of money, and to pay off his debts, Mike starts playing poker again.
“21” (2008)
This film drama is also based on a true story and tells about the MIT Blackjack Teams. Between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, a group of students led by the MIT mathematics professor successfully calculated cards in blackjack in various casinos and made massive winnings. Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) needs a scholarship to be able to transfer to Harvard Medical School.
MIT mathematics professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) notices Ben’s abilities and suggests that he join a group of enthusiasts who decide to rob a casino using their own mathematical skills. Card counting helps the gamblers to make solid winnings. At the same time, Ben also gets his MIT degree. But what happens to the gamblers next? “21” is an exciting film drama that every casino player should watch.