Some of the most popular action films have featured either casinos themselves, or various forms of casino games. Over time, the two industries have become linked, with benefits for both parties.
When a blockbuster features a specific casino game or casino, it becomes more popular, thereby increasing revenue for the gambling industry. On the other hand, gambling fans will tend to watch movies that feature these games, increasing the turnover for the film. Film franchises can also create themed games that get leased to the casinos, creating further revenue for both parties and increasing the fun for fans.
Casino Games in Action Movies
Casino games can be spotted in many different blockbuster movies. Some of the most well-known films featuring casino games include the James Bond films, Ocean’s Eleven and its subsequent sequels, 21, Casino, and The Hangover. The high-stakes games and glamorous side of gambling make them a popular feature in action films.
The depiction of the casino and gambling industry is portrayed in different lights, depending on the film genre. Some films put a big focus on the house being the bad guy, run by the mafia and protected by enforcers, while others show casinos to be an exciting place to let go and have fun with friends.
One of the most well-known films to link casinos and the mafia is the cinematic classic, Casino, featuring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, and directed by Hollywood powerhouse Martin Scorcese. This film centers around Ace, a mafia associate, and how his tumultuous relationship with his friend, Nicky, and love interest, Ginger, impact his running of various casinos in Las Vegas.
Another key focus of films involving gambling and casinos is how players have tried to beat the house. Films such as 21, which is based on a true story, explore the ethics of the methods used to beat the house at blackjack. Blackjack is popular with gamblers partly due to its low house edge, which gives players better odds than some other casino games (source: https://sportslensmalaysia1.com/online-casinos/). However, it’s safe to say that your favorite casino won’t allow any forms of cheating outlined in the cult Noughties film!
If you’re looking for a movie that celebrates the fun and wild side of spending the weekend at a casino, The Hangover films will be the perfect fit. These films provide viewers with loads of hilarious entertainment as the rag-tag group of friends tries to piece together what happened during a bachelor’s weekend in Las Vegas whilst racing against the clock to get to the wedding on time.
And finally, a sub-genre of action movies that often features casino and gambling scenes are the espionage and spy films. The most recognizable of these is the James Bond franchise. In Casino Royale (1967), for example, Bond enjoys playing Baccarat and often meets key villains around the baccarat table whilst sipping on a martini – shaken, not stirred, of course. In the 2006 remake of Casino Royale, baccarat was replaced with Texas Hold’em Poker.
If you’d like to watch more casino-action films, here’s some of the most popular ones:
- The Cooler
- Uncut Gems
- Molly’s Game
- California Split
- Casino Royale
- The Split
- Hard Eight
Movie-Themed Slot Games
Another aspect of the relationship between action movies and casino games is the introduction of movie-themed slot games. There have been many different movie franchises that have created themed slot games as another way to increase revenue.
Slot games with an action movie theme play well to the thrilling aspect of both industries; the familiarity of the movie scenes and characters used in the games help players to become more invested and can result in a more exciting experience overall.
One of the key draws of a slot machine is its ability to pull you in and keep you spinning. Movie-themed slot games are a great way to achieve this. Not only are they unique, but they also keep the players’ attention as they follow the story and interact with their favorite characters.
Here are 5 action films that have themed slot games available:
- The Godfather – join the Corleone family as you spin your way through the familiar scenes and characters
- Star Wars – fight alongside your favorite heroes while you aim to free the universe from The Galactic Empire
- Jumanji – enter a world of magic and unpredictability as you fight to survive the Jumanji dice roll. This game has side quests and has been optimized for mobile – in case you need further encouragement to give it a try!
- Rocky – challenge your favorite boxer in the slot machine ring and see who will be the champion.
- Lord of the Rings – explore the world of Middle Earth and join the Fellowship on their journey to destroy the One Ring in this exciting slot game adaptation.
Conclusion
Action films and the casino industry have built a dynamic partnership, benefiting both sectors; action movies frequently incorporate casinos and gambling into their storylines, adding excitement to their narratives whilst putting casino games in the spotlight. Iconic franchises like James Bond, Oceans, and The Hangover have exposed cinema-goers to the thrill of high-stakes gambling, portraying casinos as both formidable adversaries and places for entertainment.
The dark underbelly of the casino world, the strategies players use to outsmart the house, and the fun of a weekend in Sin City all make for excellent movie tropes, stirring up intrigue and bringing forward ethical dilemmas. Espionage and spy films, exemplified by James Bond and “Casino Royale,” seamlessly blend casino scenes with espionage, adding sophistication and danger.
It’s clear that the synergy between action films and casinos has entertained and financially benefited both industries, promising more exciting cinematic and gaming experiences in the future.
