Casino gaming is an intriguing activity that has long been part of popular culture, inspiring the imaginations of writers and movie directors across the world. From tense poker tournaments to high-stakes casino heists, the gambling industry has provided filmmakers and book writers with enough materials to work with. As a result, this exciting activity has been captured in several thrilling movies, books, and TV shows. These literary works offer an entertaining view into the world of casino gaming while allowing fans to acquire new gambling concepts and skills.
Here are some of the best movies, books, and TV shows worth your time in 2023.
Best Casino-themed Movies 2023
While some jurisdictions like Arizona still have strict gambling laws, casino-themed movies still have a widespread appeal to many people across the world. As such, players can still legally explore the thrilling world of casino gaming through film, while waiting to see what the future holds for online casinos in Arizona and other states. These films include:
The Hangover
Written by Scott Moore and Jon Lucas, “The Hangover” is a 2009 comedy movie created by American director Todd Phillips. The movie follows the story of Stu Price, Phil Wenneck, Doug Billings, and Alan Garner as they go to a bachelor party in Vegas in honor of Doug’s upcoming wedding. However, things quickly escalate after they discover they can’t recall the activities of the previous night after waking up.
In the movie, Alan heads to the blackjack table where he keenly watches the cards and attempts to estimate his chances of winning. Having previously read a book on card counting, he sits at the table, calls his friends and they start betting big. Everyone suddenly starts winning and the pit boss starts getting suspicious of them.
The Gambler
With a star cast that includes Jessica Lange, Mark Wahlberg, Miles Teller, and John Goodman, “The Gamber” is a crime drama film based on James Toback’s book. The movie follows Jim Bennett (played by Mark Wahlberg), an obsessive casino player and literature professor who must resort to extreme means to get money to pay a loan shark.
21
21 is a legendary casino film that tells the intriguing story of a team of MIT students who used their card-counting skills to outsmart casinos in Sin City, led by their professor. The team takes a trip to Las Vegas and they use their knowledge to earn a fortune. However, they soon learn that they must deal with the consequences of their actions. The movie brilliantly illustrates the risks and thrills of casino gaming, while acting as a cautionary tale for gamblers.
Best casino-themed books 2023
Molly’s Game (Molly Bloom)
Molly’s Game is an incredible true crime novel that details the adventures of a 26-year-old woman who rejected conventional means of living in pursuit of her American dream. This riveting memoir tells the story of Molly Bloom, a world-class athlete and overachiever who’s drawn into the poker world after an injury ends her career. The novel tells the story of how Molly moved from high-stakes games to organizing high-stakes games for the Hollywood Elite.
The House Always Wins (Brian Ruff)
Written by Brian Ruff, “The House Always” wins is a modern casino-themed book that combines several genres, including romance, mystery, and elements of a murder mystery. The story unfolds as the protagonist, Anna Christiansen moves from her small town to Vegas, where her life is turned upside down after moving into a haunted house.
Anna finds herself battling a corrupt casino operator who intends to buy her house and the story dramatically unfolds. The fast-paced mystery thriller features all the highs and lows of Sin City’s casino landscape, making it a must-read for modern casino enthusiasts.
Best Casino-based TV shows 2023
Poker Face (2023)
Created by Rian Johnson, Poker Face is a crime comedy-drama TV series that pays homage to the classic murder mystery weekly shows that dominated TV schedules in the 1970s and 1980s. The show stars Natasha Lyonne as the main protagonist, Charlie Cale, a Vegas casino worker who finds herself entangled in different mysterious deaths. The first season features 10 episodes and the show has received critical acclaim.
Bust Down (2022)
Created by Chris Redd and his funny friends Langston Kerman, Sam Jay and Jak Knight, Bust Down is an edgy workplace comedy series that follows a group of four casino workers in Gary, Indiana. This entertaining comedy shows how the four friends navigate the opportunities and obstacles of their workplace, including bosses who violate personal boundaries, witness domestic disputes, and attempt to climb the short corporate ladder.
Conclusion
Casinos and gambling have always been synonymous with the entertainment industry and there have been many great movies, TV shows, and books based on the subject over the years. These entertaining works of literature give you an interesting preview of the gambling world and can help you improve your mastery of casino games.
