Hollywood is an old hand at action movies, with movies in this genre taking viewers on incredible adventures. However, no action movie is completed without a casino scene. Sometimes the casino simply acts as the backdrop to a fight scene, but other times gambling itself is part of the story.
1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
The entire Ocean’s Eleven is based around casinos and gambling, and this masterpiece with an all-star cast sees the characters pulling off an epic casino heist. This movie is popular for several reasons, but what attracts most viewers is the anticipation and excitement of the various scenes in the casino.
The film follows Danny Ocean (George Clooney) who is attempting to rob three casinos at the same time, with the grand event looting $160 million from the vault. The film is full of tense moments in Las Vegas as the characters attempt to outsmart the casino security systems.
However, it is one specific sequence from this movie that is going down in history as the best gambling scene in a film. The robbers must use their unique skill sets to defeat the casino’s security, including using technological skills and acrobatics to complete their scheme. This scene is the crescendo of the film, and viewers hold their breath for the entirety of the sequence as the team moves ever closer to the vault at the Bellagio.
Not only is gambling featured prominently throughout the film, but Danny Ocean is gambling with his own freedom and life in an attempt to get rich.
2. Casino Royale (2006)
James Bond movies are renowned for their non-stop action, and Casino Royale is no exception. This film features many action scenes, but the poker game is one of the best gambling sequences in an action movie. Truly, it has set the standard for gambling scenes.
James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, is participating in a high-stakes poker tournament against the film’s villain, Le Chiffre. But this is not any standard table game; there are millions of dollars and several lives at stake. Fortunately, real-world gamblers can enjoy poker and other games in a much safer setting, by gambling online at one of the safest online casinos (source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/safe-online-casinos). Here there are no guns, violence, or threatening bad guys, simply secure transactions and the chance to win big.
Unfortunately, James Bond decided to play poker in a physical casino. Bond is poisoned during the game, and has to leave the table to try and survive as the scene reaches its peak. Viewers are left wondering if the hero will return to complete the game. What attracts many casino enthusiasts to this game is how it captures the reality of gambling, like the high stress, uncertainty, and anticipation. Of course, getting poisoned at the poker table is unlikely, but it does show how unpredictable professional games can be. The opponents are stuck in a game of psychological warfare, with each move a calculated risk. Viewers are on the edge of their seats for the entire poker game.
This scene just goes to show how something so mundane as gambling can be transformed into a pivotal moment in an action movie.
3. Casino (1995)
Although Casino is classified as a crime drama and not an action movie, there is plenty of action and suspense for action lovers.
The best gambling scene in this film is dubbed the “Tangiers Casino Showdown”, and Martin Scorsese worked his magic to create tension and excitement. Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and his partner Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) own a casino where a $200,000 wager on a dice throw shows just how high stakes these games can be. This all happens while at the same time, the casino security is chasing a cowboy who was caught cheating across the casino floor.
This scene perfectly captures the brutality of the industry on owners, as well as the extremes of gambling. As the player places his bet, Sam is watching on. The roll gives the gambler the win, and the casino has to pay out massively, frustrating the owners who have a tight hold on the casino operations to minimize losses.
The combination of the cheating cowboy and the legitimate win perfectly captures the film’s theme of greed and the corruption of power in Las Vegas.
4. Rain Man (1988)
When Tom Cruise is starring in a movie, you know there is likely to be at least one gripping action scene. Although this film is considered a drama, and not solely an action film, the presence of Cruise and Dustin Hoffman is unforgettable.
The casino scene in this movie depicts any gambler’s dream: walking into the casino as an average guy and walking out with loaded pockets. The blackjack game in this session blends intense action with warm emotions. Cruise, playing Charlie, wants to use his autistic brother, Raymond’s (played by Hoffman) math skills to win at blackjack. Raymon uses maths to his advantage, counting cards, tipping the odds in his favor.
The moment is tense as the brothers interact in the stressful casino setting to win big. As Charlie relies more on his brother, tensions rise. This scene is an example of iconic gambling scenes in movies, combining the high stakes of table games with tactics and drama.
Wrapping Up
Almost all action movies that feature a casino scene are considered a must-watch by movie buffs. These scenes often show the realities of gambling, from the highs when you win to the lows when a loss is suffered. Plus, there is often action, intrigue, and suspense blended into each scene, resulting in a riveting viewing experience.