The allure of underground casinos has always captivated audiences with its blend of danger, excitement, and the promise of big wins. This curated list of 10 crime films delves into the shadowy world of illegal gambling, showcasing the high stakes, the characters who thrive in this environment, and the thrilling narratives that unfold. Whether you're a fan of intense drama, intricate plots, or simply love the adrenaline rush of a good heist, these films offer a unique perspective on the criminal underworld of gambling.
The Killing (1956)
Description: A meticulous plan to rob a racetrack during a major horse race goes awry, showcasing the tension and complexity of an underground heist.
Fact: Stanley Kubrick's film noir classic was one of his early works. The film's narrative structure was innovative for its time.
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Casino (1995)
Description: Martin Scorsese's epic tale of the mob's control over Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s, where the glitz and glamour mask the brutal reality of organized crime.
Fact: The film was based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The Tangiers casino in the movie is a fictionalized version of the Stardust Resort and Casino.
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Hard Eight (1996)
Description: A seasoned gambler takes a young man under his wing, teaching him the ropes of the casino world, but their relationship is tested by greed and betrayal.
Fact: This was Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial debut. The film was initially released under the title "Sydney."
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Rounders (1998)
Description: A young law student and his friend dive back into the world of high-stakes poker to pay off a debt, showcasing the underground poker scene.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic among poker enthusiasts. Matt Damon and Edward Norton learned to play poker for their roles.
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Croupier (1998)
Description: A struggling writer becomes a croupier at an underground casino, where he gets entangled in a heist, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Fact: Clive Owen's performance as the croupier earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. The film was shot in London, with some scenes in actual casinos.
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Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Description: A group of expert criminals plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously, showcasing the allure and danger of high-stakes gambling.
Fact: The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie. The Bellagio, The Mirage, and The MGM Grand were the casinos targeted in the heist.
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The Cooler (2003)
Description: A luckless casino employee, known as a "cooler," whose mere presence can turn a winning streak into a losing one, finds love and a chance to change his fate.
Fact: Alec Baldwin won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film. The movie was shot in the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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21 (2008)
Description: Based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, this film follows a group of students who use their math skills to beat the casinos in Las Vegas.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich. Kevin Spacey's character was loosely based on real-life figure Bill Kaplan.
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The Card Counter (2021)
Description: A former military interrogator turned professional card player uses his skills to navigate the world of underground poker games, seeking redemption.
Fact: Paul Schrader wrote and directed this film, which features a unique blend of gambling and psychological drama. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
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The Gambler (2014)
Description: A literature professor with a gambling addiction gets involved with the underworld of illegal gambling, leading to dangerous consequences.
Fact: Mark Wahlberg took on the role originally played by James Caan in the 1974 film of the same name. The movie was filmed in various locations in Los Angeles.
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