Not everyone partakes in gambling, but nearly everyone has a clear image of what gambling is, especially in the context of high-end casinos. This is largely thanks to cinema and their decades of including casinos in their stories.

Without a doubt, casinos have had their reputation impacted by popular films. This goes for both the industry and the gamblers themselves. But just how far-reaching are these effects? Read on to find out!

The realism of casinos

One thing that films have truly excelled at in recent years, thanks to movies like Casino Royale, is the level of realism that they are willing to achieve. Many films are praised for their attention to detail and dedication to art mimicking life, so it should be no surprise that casino films, or at least movies that happen to depict casinos, tend to prioritise realism themselves.

Even if you have never set foot in a land-based casino, anyone who has spent time in online casinos will have enough of an idea of what to expect, just from watching movies. In fact, film has had a role in popularising casino games that are primarily being played online now.

For example, users in Ireland these days are searching for comprehensive reviews of top-rated casino sites and choosing those that have been hand-picked by industry experts. It’s a booming industry with lots of players joining every day.

Glamorisation of luck and strategy

Casinos can be found in all sorts of films, including comedies and thrillers or dramas. Even if they are only on-screen for one scene, a lot of work is done to depict them accurately, and this is even more true for films that are explicitly about gambling culture and gambling strategy.

Many people enjoy casinos for the high-end atmosphere, but from a movie audience’s perspective, it’s more about the skill of the players involved. Movies are great at highlighting these elements, much like how television is good at highlighting more technological storytelling.

People love to see not only a gambler protagonist, but a very skilled gambler protagonist. Someone who is good under pressure, good at reading people, and good with numbers and analysing situations. Everyone knows about the house advantage when it comes to casinos, so it’s very satisfying seeing someone rise above the odds and do well for themselves despite the odds they face from the house.

From a strategic standpoint, this makes sense at it shows someone overcoming great struggle through their own dedication and perseverance. This is the makeup of many great films, regardless of where they take place.

But from a luck standpoint, things become even more interesting. Sometimes, you just have to roll a hard six, and even then, things can’t work out. This is how gambling stories manage to be so enticing and unpredictable, because anything can improve on a whim or turn sour instantly.

Honest depictions of the dark side of gambling

Though films are great at depicting the success stories of gambling and casino enthusiasts, they occasionally depict the other side of gambling. This is a good thing, because even though most people can engage with casinos in a healthy and rational manner, some people unfortunately fall prey to addiction or abuse. Like with alcohol, it is important to show how sometimes things don’t work out well for people.

Responsibility is ultimately the keyword here. Film makers understand that even though the spectacle of a high roller or a glamorous Las Vegas strip like in The Last Showgirl is undeniably entertaining, there is value to be had in showing a gambler who is down on their luck. It can be a very emotional journey in its own way, and it can teach valuable lessons about self-restraint and redemption.

Casinos and criminality

Though everyone knows most casinos are legal and most gamblers are not criminals, there’s no denying the trend that has been set by films that depict casinos in seedy situations.

Many casino movies involve a heist of some sorts – most famously, the Ocean’s Eleven film and its sequels. They’re not like bank heist films, as the people involved in the casino heist tend to be classier, as well as in possession of more unique skills, often more psychological in nature.

There are also sting or con casino movies that involve a major scheme or manipulation of some sort, like a rigged poker game. These are popular because the concept of cheating at a poker game is itself a high-stakes situation and high-risk move. In other words, it is its own form of gambling, and people are drawn to that.

There are also depictions of illegal, underground casino markets that are so plentiful they can make up their own genre. They are treated with a great sense of mystique and class, as if they are the ultimate secret VIP club that very, very few have access to. Movie fans love to get a glimpse into this secret world through film.

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