Top 30 Casino and Gambling Movies of All Time
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From the glittering lights of Las Vegas to the strategic moves at high-stakes poker tables, gambling movies capture the thrill and suspense of the casino world like nothing else.
These movies about casinos reveal the high-stakes world of gamblers, heists, and the art of bluffing, making us root for the risk-takers and strategists who live life on the edge. In North America, particularly in the USA and Canada, interest in casino-themed movies has spiked, with nearly 70% of viewers reporting that they watch these films for the rush and glamour that real-world casinos often bring.
Some of these films dive into iconic casino locations, while others highlight the personalities that make this world unforgettable. Whether you're a fan of classic scenes or recent releases, here are the top 30 gambling movies that bring suspense and thrill to your screen.
So grab some popcorn and settle in for a cinematic journey through the world of wagers and wins.
Best Gambling Movies to Watch
- Casino (1995)
- The Sting (1973)
- The Conman (1998)
- Rain Man (1988)
- Molly's Game (2017)
- Maverick (1994)
- The Gambler (1974)
- The Gambler (2014)
- Runner Runner (2013)
- Lucky You (2007)
- 21 (2008)
- The Cooler (2003)
- Croupier (1998)
- Mississippi Grind (2015)
- The Runner (1999)
- Ocean's Eleven (2001)
- Ocean's Twelve (2004)
- Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
- The House (2017)
- Wild Card (2015)
- Winning Streak (2012)
- Deal (2008)
- Atlantic City (1980)
- Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)
- Two for the Money (2005)
- Even Money (2005)
- Hard Eight (1996)
- Shade (2003)
- Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014)
- Casino/Big Bet (2022)
1. Casino (1995)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 178 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award, multiple other nominations
Watch trailer:
Description: One of the most popular movies about gambling is Casino, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. It takes us into the heart of Las Vegas, exposing the gritty realities and hidden dangers of the gambling world. Director Martin Scorsese delivers a high-stakes, action-packed narrative about loyalty, betrayal, and power. Films like Casino offers an unforgettable look at the glamorous yet dangerous casino scene.
2. The Sting (1973)
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 129 minutes
- Awards: Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director
Watch trailer:
Description: The Sting is a stylish, clever caper gambling movie that immerses viewers in the world of con artists during the Great Depression. Directed by George Roy Hill, it stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two grifters who team up to pull off a massive con against a ruthless mob boss. With intricate twists, charismatic performances, and an unforgettable score, The Sting is a classic tale of wit, charm, and deception.
3. The Conman (1999)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Awards: Limited awards and nominations
Watch trailer:
Description: The Conman dives into the high-stakes world of gambling and deception, following the life of a charismatic but morally conflicted card player. Set against a backdrop of smoky rooms and risky bets, the movie explores the challenges faced by the protagonist as he balances loyalty, love, and ambition. The Conman portrays the razor-thin line between success and downfall in the life of a professional gambler, keeping viewers on edge until the final hand is played.
4. Rain Man (1988)
- Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 133 minutes
- Awards: Winner of 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor
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Description: One of the best gambling movies Rain Man tells the moving story of two estranged brothers, Charlie and Raymond Babbitt, who embark on a transformative road trip. This heartwarming film, directed by Barry Levinson, stars Tom Cruise as Charlie and Dustin Hoffman in an Academy Award-winning role as Raymond, an autistic savant with remarkable mental abilities. Rain Man explores family bonds, personal growth, and acceptance, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
5. Molly's Game (2017)
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 140 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award
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Description: Molly's Game is the gripping true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skier who becomes the target of an FBI investigation after she runs an exclusive high-stakes poker game. Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this gambling movie offers a thrilling mix of scandal, suspense, and ambition. Jessica Chastain shines in the title role, supported by an exceptional cast that includes Idris Elba. Molly's Game is an intense and intelligent portrayal of power and survival.
6. Maverick (1994)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Runtime: 127 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award
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One of the best casino movies is Maverick, where the Wild West meets high-stakes poker as a charming card player teams up with a savvy con artist on their way to a poker championship. Directed by Richard Donner, this light-hearted adventure stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner, blending humor, action, and the spirit of the Old West. Maverick is an entertaining romp filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable characters.
7. The Gambler (1974)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: The Gambler, one of the oldest movies about casinos on the list, delves into the life of a college professor whose gambling addiction spirals out of control, threatening everything he holds dear. Directed by Karel Reisz and starring James Caan, this intense drama is a raw look at obsession, risk, and self-destruction. The film's dark portrayal of addiction and moral conflict has made it a powerful classic in the gambling genre.
8. The Gambler (2014)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: Mark Wahlberg stars in this modern retelling of The Gambler, a gambling movie portraying a literature professor with a dangerous addiction to high-stakes betting. Directed by Rupert Wyatt, this intense thriller explores themes of risk, redemption, and the fine line between winning and losing. With strong performances and a high-stakes atmosphere, the film offers a contemporary look at the challenges of addiction and personal sacrifice.
9. Runner Runner (2013)
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: Runner Runner is a thriller that delves into the high-stakes world of online gambling. The gambling movie follows Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake), a Princeton student who is scammed in an online poker game and travels to Costa Rica to confront the site's owner, Ivan Block (Ben Affleck). What starts as a mission for revenge quickly escalates into a dangerous game of power, corruption, and deceit. Block offers Richie a lucrative role in his illegal gambling empire, but as Richie becomes more deeply involved, he realizes that he is in over his head.
10. Lucky You (2007)
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Sport
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: One of the most exciting movies about casinos Lucky You follows a professional poker player who faces the ultimate gamble when he competes in the World Series of Poker while dealing with personal challenges. Directed by Curtis Hanson and starring Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore, this romantic drama explores the intersection of love and ambition against the backdrop of high-stakes poker. Lucky You is a movie about casinos that offers a heartfelt look at risk, redemption, and the pursuit of a dream.
11. 21 (2008)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 123 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Teen Choice Award
Watch trailer:
Description: Inspired by a true story, 21 gambling movie follows a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win big in Las Vegas. Directed by Robert Luketic and starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey, this film explores the allure and dangers of living on the edge. With intense heist sequences and high-stakes tension, 21 is a thrilling ride through the world of blackjack and casino hustling.
12. The Cooler (2003)
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 101 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award
Watch trailer:
Description: The Cooler is one of the most well-known casino movies and tells the story of Bernie, a man so unlucky that a Las Vegas casino hires him to bring bad luck to gamblers. Directed by Wayne Kramer and starring William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Alec Baldwin, this unique romance drama explores redemption, love, and change. With its gritty yet tender approach, The Cooler dives deep into the human side of Vegas casino culture.
13. Croupier (1998)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 94 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Satellite Award
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Description: Old but classic Croupier movie about casinos centers on Jack, an aspiring writer who takes a job as a casino croupier and soon becomes entangled in the world of gambling and crime. Directed by Mike Hodges, this British film stars Clive Owen in a breakthrough role, showcasing his charm and complexity. With a film-noir style, Croupier is a dark, introspective exploration of chance, ambition, and betrayal.
14. Mississippi Grind (2015)
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 108 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Satellite Award
Watch trailer:
Description: One of the recent gambling movies Mississippi Grind follows two gamblers who embark on a road trip through the South, hoping to change their luck. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, this heartfelt film stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, capturing the highs and lows of friendship, risk, and redemption. With its raw performances and atmospheric setting, Mississippi Grind is a poignant look at the gambling lifestyle.
15. The Runner (1999)
- Genre: Comedy
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: Wild Money is less popular than other best gambling movies, but it’s a light-hearted comedy about three women who concoct a plan to win big in the casinos of Atlantic City. Directed by Alan Metzger, this lesser-known gem explores friendship, wit, and unexpected luck. With a playful narrative, Wild Money brings humor to the otherwise high-stakes world of gambling.
16. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 116 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 5 awards
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Description: The popular gambling movie Ocean's Eleven features a group of skilled con artists and criminals led by Danny Ocean as they attempt to rob three Las Vegas casinos in one night. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this star-studded heist film, featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts, is a thrilling and stylish blend of wit, action, and charm.
17. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 7 awards
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Description: In Ocean's Twelve, the crew reunites for another high-stakes heist, this time in Europe. With new challenges and old enemies, the team faces an uphill battle to pull off a flawless operation. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this sequel combines intrigue, humor, and the same stylish appeal that made the original a hit.
18. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 122 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 3 awards
Watch trailer:
Description: In Ocean’s Thirteen, Danny Ocean’s team comes together one last time to take revenge on a ruthless casino owner. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this high-energy film brings back the familiar cast for a suspenseful and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. With clever twists and a classic Vegas backdrop, Ocean's Thirteen delivers the heist thrills audiences love.
19. The House (2017)
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 88 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: In The House gambling movie, a suburban couple, played by Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, turn to an unorthodox solution when they open an illegal casino in their basement to pay for their daughter’s college tuition. Directed by Andrew Jay Cohen, this comedy brings humor and chaos to the gambling world, showcasing the lengths parents will go to for their kids.
20. Wild Card (2015)
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 92 minutes
- Awards: N/A
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Description: Jason Statham stars in the action-packed thriller Wild Card as Nick Wild, a bodyguard and gambler who is drawn back into the seedy world of high-stakes gambling and crime to seek revenge for a woman who’s been brutally attacked. Directed by Simon West, the film blends fast-paced action with a noir-style investigation into the underworld of casinos and debts. While not purely focused on gambling, it features plenty of tension and high-risk stakes involving both gambling and personal vendettas.
21. Winning Streak (2012)
- Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: This drama centers on a man who, after a run of good fortune in gambling, struggles to maintain his success and avoid falling into a downward spiral. Winning Streak focuses on the personal battles and relationships that come with the pursuit of wealth and the dangerous allure of gambling. This movie about casinos explores themes of luck, chance, and the emotional toll of living on the edge.
22. Deal (2008)
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: Deal follows a young poker player, played by Bret Harrison, who is mentored by a retired professional poker player, portrayed by Burt Reynolds. As the student learns the ropes of the high-stakes poker world, he must also navigate the personal challenges and ethical dilemmas that come with gambling. The gambling movie blends drama and romance with the thrilling atmosphere of poker tournaments, showing the risks and rewards of gambling and the complex relationships that can form around it.
23. Atlantic City (1980)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award, 2 Golden Globe Awards
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Description: One of the classic movies about gambling Atlantic City is a crime drama directed by Louis Malle, set in the declining yet still-glamorous Atlantic City. The film follows Lou (Burt Lancaster), a former small-time mobster, who now works as a lowly casino dealer. When his life intersects with a young woman, Sally (Susan Sarandon), who is trying to escape her troubled past, they become entangled in a world of crime, ambition, and survival. The film explores themes of aging, the loss of ambition, and the gritty underbelly of a casino-driven society.
24. Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 139 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 5 Korean Film Awards
Watch trailer:
Description: Tazza: The High Rollers is a South Korean gambling movie, specifically focusing on a popular Korean card game called Hwatu. The story follows a young man who is drawn into the dangerous world of gambling after being cheated out of a large sum of money. The film depicts his journey to seek revenge and climb the ranks of the underground gambling scene. Directed by Choi Dong-hoon, Tazza is known for its intense plot, colorful characters, and stylish portrayal of the risks and thrills associated with gambling. It’s a captivating tale of luck, betrayal, and cunning.
25. Two for the Money (2005)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Sport
- Runtime: 122 minutes
- Awards: N/A
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Description: Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey star in this high-stakes drama about a former football player turned sports gambler. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film Two for the Money delves into the thrill and danger of sports betting, examining loyalty and moral conflict in the world of gambling.
26. Even Money (2006)
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 2 awards
Watch trailer:
Description: Even Money is a dramatic exploration of gambling addiction, portraying the lives of nine individuals as their fates intertwine within the dangerous world of addiction. As their paths cross, these characters — ranging from an aspiring writer to a former gambler — find themselves in increasingly desperate situations, with one final, life-altering moment hanging in the balance. The film stars Kim Basinger, Ray Liotta, Forest Whitaker, Danny DeVito, and Kelsey Grammer. Directed by Mark Rydell, this gambling movie examines how addiction transcends race, age, and circumstance, making no one safe from its grasp.
27. Hard Eight (1996)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Independent Spirit Award
Watch trailer:
Description: Hard Eight is a tense crime drama that explores the complex relationships and consequences of a high-stakes gambler's life. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, it centers around Sydney (Philip Baker Hall), an experienced gambler who takes a young man, John (John C. Reilly), under his wing. Together, they navigate the world of Vegas and its challenges, encountering betrayal and danger along the way. The film, though subtle and minimalist, weaves deep emotional undercurrents into its narrative, focusing on themes of loyalty, redemption, and the choices that shape one's life.
28. Shade (2003)
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Runtime: 89 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: The well-known movie about gambling Shade is a comedy about a charming con artist who teams up with an unlikely apprentice to swindle unsuspecting townsfolk. This lighthearted crime film is filled with wit, humor, and classic cons, bringing fun to the art of deception.
29. Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014)
- Genre: Comedy
- Runtime: 96 minutes
- Awards: N/A
Watch trailer:
Description: In the sequel to Tazza: The High Rollers, the competition intensifies as teams face new challenges and high-stakes pranks. Tazza: The Hidden Card is a comedy that brings back fan-favorite characters and adds even more twists, delivering laughs and excitement for fans of team-based rivalry.
30. Casino (Big Bet) (2022) (Series)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 16 episodes (1 season)
- Awards: Nominated for several awards
Watch trailer:
Description: Casino (also known as Big Bet) is a South Korean crime drama series that delves into the world of illegal gambling and criminal underworlds. The story follows Cha Moo-sik (played by Choi Min-sik), a man who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure in the gambling world in the Philippines. However, his empire is built on violence and betrayal, and his quest for dominance faces numerous obstacles. The Casino series explores themes of survival, ambition, and the high-risk world of gambling with intense drama and complex characters.