Casinos are so popular that they have infiltrated every element of life, including pop culture. Turn on your TV and you’re likely to see a movie using a casino as its main theme. That’s how much people love the idea of gambling.
There are too many of them to mention in one go. However, it is possible to outline a handful of the top scenes to give you a taste of the plot and whether the film will be to your liking. Here are four of the most iconic casino movie scenes, many of which are relevant to this day.
Ocean’s 11 – The Twist
Before Ocean’s 11, casino movies were usually mob-related. As a result, they were gritty and involved lots of violence. This massive motion picture featuring the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt changed the mold as it was slick and fun to watch. It didn’t take itself too seriously.
Of course, the ending made the run time worthwhile because you finally got to see how Danny Ocean and his crew took on a casino boss. The closing scenes of the film will stay with most viewers for a very long time, even if the rest of the franchise didn’t live up to the same high standards.
Casino – Sam Fires His Slot Manager
Sam, played by Robert DeNiro, is an iconic character. The fact that DeNiro himself claimed the part has a huge role to play, but so does the film itself. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it’s arguably one of the greatest movies of all time, and potentially the best casino movie ever.
While there are several scenes to choose from, Sam firing his slot manager after huge losses is significant as it highlights the importance of the House edge. Also, it’s timeless since it revolves around slots, and slot machines are the key component of the online casino games sector that has turned into one of the most popular verticals. Casino is ahead of its time, and this scene showcases it beyond doubt.
Rain Man – Let’s Play Some Cards
Rain Man is a multifaceted movie that’s about more than a blackjack game. It’s about family, disabilities, and being taken seriously. Still, an incredible casino scene is at the heart of the film, and it’s done perfectly thanks to performances from Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
The latter is autistic and can count cards, giving him an edge when he plays blackjack. ‘Let’s play some cards’ portrays what it’s like for gamblers when they attempt to take on the House and win. From the level of excitement to the glitz and glamor and Las Vegas at its pomp, Rain Man is authentic to the industry.
Casino Royale – The Poker Scene
If anyone in Hollywood is synonymous with betting, it’s James Bond. As well as women and gadgets, the British spy loves to gamble. Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first outing as the legendary 007, is a homage to the character’s roots as Bond takes on a supervillain in a poker game.
After a murder attempt and a bout of ego, Bond finally gets the better of his man, saving the world in the process. How stereotypical!
What do you think of this list? Are there any casino movie scenes that you believe are too good to miss out on?
