Gambling on the big screen seems to have been exceptionally popular for quite a while now. The James Bond franchise alone has proved that movies that feature casino gameplay are cool and enjoyable, creating a perfect blend of action with a thrilling casino experience.
Many casino films are available, with Kevin Spacey’s renowned blackjack picture “21” and the poker hit “The Gambler” leading the pack. And, of course, there’s Ocean’s Eleven.
Hollywood movies frequently include roulette, even though it’s not as easy to showcase it on the screen as in other games. Before we spin the roulette wheel, let’s debunk a common misconception: roulette isn’t James Bond’s go-to game.
Contrary to the popular belief, Agent 007 prefers the thrill of baccarat. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start with our list of interesting movies featuring roulette games.
Casablanca (1942)
While scrolling through IMDb’s top 50 movies, you might have encountered this classic film with one of the most memorable real-money roulette scenes. The film is set in WWII and follows the story of Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner in Casablanca during the Second World War.
While escaping the Nazis, Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman, and her husband are helped by Rick in a tense-filled roulette scene.
In the scene, the husband places all of his money on 22 and ends up winning and allowing them to escape the Nazi camp. If you are looking for a good old film that captures romance and tragedy, look no further.
Indecent Proposal (1993)
Gambling is a game of luck and risks, and this is better felt and experienced by the fans of casino games and online roulette. One is bound to experience the highs and lows of gambling, and in Indecent Proposal, two broke lovers try to gain a fortune through gambling.
Starring Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson, the film follows the couple’s thrilling financial crisis after they lose all their savings on roulette and risk their marriage to recover the money lost. There might be some elating moments on TV, but even the thrill of a carousel at a fair cannot match how the roulette is brought out in this romance thriller.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Oh, you didn’t expect us to close off the list without mentioning James Bond’s favorite places to hang out: the casinos. If you are a fan, you know he loves his baccarat, but the roulette wheel also seems to attract him quite a lot across the franchise.
Movies like Casino Royale and GoldenEye have seen Agent 007 being spotted at the craps or poker tables. In Diamonds Are Forever, he does what he does best; going undercover to expose the bad guys.
Set in the Whyte House Mansion Casino, Sean Connery’s character James Bond is seen using his special betting and playing technique to win some incredible payouts while placing high-roller bets at roulette tables.
Gambling might not be the driving force here. Still, the dizzying spectacle of Las Vegas casinos, unfolding across countless scenes, will dazzle your eyes and stir your emotions with a constant promise of fortune.
Croupier (1998)
This casino-centered film tells the story of a struggling writer Jack Manfred who finds himself drawn into the gambling world. While working as a croupier for a top casino, he falls in love with one of the players and finds himself entangled in an evil plot.
The plan is to rob the owner of millions from the casino. You can’t help but notice that the main character, despite his condemnation of gambling, is a compulsive gambler himself, whether at a casino or in his morality.
We watch him get caught up in problems with other dealers and guests entering the casino. The visually beautiful casino sequences, which feature many table games and a flawlessly spinning roulette wheel, are the film’s most admirable parts. Don’t we all enjoy a tense atmosphere like this in casino movies?
California Split (1974)
Let’s face it, gambling isn’t always about fun and winning tons of lucky cash. Like any game of chance, roulette carries the potential risk of addiction for some individuals, particularly those susceptible to impulsive behaviors.
It’s important to be aware of this risk and gamble responsibly. California Split is a casino-centered movie featuring iconic roulette moments while still portraying some thoughtful moments to ponder, especially for people with gambling problems.
In the film, two best friends, Charlie and Bill, embark on an action-parked gambling journey in various casino-based situations. Be sure to brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions with the roulette-centered story bringing out Bill’s agitation when luck is not on his side.
Towards the end, in what is deemed a rare happy ending, Bill decides to quit the exhausting gambling lifestyle that he had gotten into and live a normal life. The turning point happens after a good winning streak that gets him and his friend Charlie about $100,000 cash which they split and go to enjoy.
