If a movie is to be successful, you can bet that there are moments of suspense and drama somewhere to be found. It’s pretty much the same with a visit to the casino so to include scenes from them in movies is a logical decision. Will the players win and if so, are they doing so by fair methods?

As you’ll read, movies love to focus on the darker side of the casinos. They do still manage to show how glamorous a casino can be. If all of the casinos you gamble at were like the ones in the movies though, it might prove to be a bit of a stressful experience. Together with this casino gambling guide, we have compiled a list of the top movies that have included casino scenes in them.

Casino Royale
Any list would be incomplete without the inclusion of this James Bond movie. The spy has often found himself in a casino and he’s rarely there just for a good night and the chance to win some cash. It’s usually part of his latest assignment and there is danger lurking just around the corner on each of his visits.

There are two movies that have this title. The odds are you’ll be very familiar with what was the first outing for Daniel Craig as James Bond. The other is from the 1960s and is a spoof with David Niven and Peter Sellers with Woody Allen as the villain.

In this rather more traditional Bond movie, James is up against Le Chiffre and there are big stakes in the Texas Hold ‘em Poker tournament. Just how the money won is going to be used isn’t on the right side of the law. There’s plenty of cheating of course and is it really a good idea for Bond to order that Martini?

Croupier
Clive Owen has often been high in the betting markets to be the next James Bond. He’s probably too old now but this movie did see him in a casino, just not as a super spy. Instead, he’s a novelist whose books aren’t selling that many copies.

He wants to write a novel about a casino so gets a job working as a Croupier. There’s lots of possible content for him as he learns an increasing amount about the gambling-based crime that’s taking place.

The Cincinnati Kid
Poker is a game that gamblers love to play and is ideal for the movies. All that bluffing and anxious moments hoping the next card that is dealt will be the one you’re praying for. Every card dealt changes can change a profitable situation into a possibly losing one, so lots of tension.

This 1965 movie starred Steve McQueen in the title role. His dream is to become known as the best poker player there is. That’s a title held by Lancey ‘The Man’ Howard but The Cincinnati Kid is out to beat him.

Can he achieve his dream? You can bet on there being some cheating going on to ensure that he doesn’t. There are some rather rare poker hands seen in this movie. The tension seen in the final hand is a great scene but is a full house really the best hand?

Casablanca
Can you believe this movie celebrates its 80th anniversary this year! It may be best known for a certain song but those who love to gamble on the roulette tables will adore this classic movie. If only what happens here could take place on their next casino visit.

Not many casino owners fix the games so that the customers can win their bets. Rick (Humphrey Bogart) does though and ensures a couple win the money they need to escape to America. Next time you bet on 22, think of this great movie.

Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians
Card counting is something that gamblers try to do, especially when playing blackjack. This movie was released in 2011 and is based on a true story. A Christian group doesn’t just study the Bible but also how to use card counting to make successful bets.

They don’t have a high regard for the morals of casinos, so cheating doesn’t upset them either. Money raised goes to good causes but will their luck at not being spotted last?

The Cooler
What does a casino do when a customer wins one bet after another? It’s time to call in ‘The Cooler’ and that’s the character played by William H. Macey in this movie. He’s not the luckiest of people and nor will be the winning players if he can put a stop to their winning streaks.