gambling movies

We can assure you won’t be disappointed, nor able to sleep without the light on. “A lot of movies focus on the gambler being the hero, and the girls, and being very popular — but this really tells the other side, the people who are struggling with a gambling addiction.” “I grew up in a rugby league town in Penrith in western Sydney, so I know a lot of ex-NRL players and juniors who played rugby league that all suffered elements of addiction with gambling,” Davis said. The lobbying push for regional casinos and online gambling has happened in a big way because of the practices of state lotteries. They’re the largest predatory gambling operators in the country and have made extreme forms of gambling like electronic gambling machines and $30 scratch tickets seem like a normal activity for government to be marketing to citizens. While it investigates lotteries, Out of Luck is significant to those of you who got involved in this movement because you believe government should not bring casinos into your community.

BECOME A MEMBER OF SYDNEY’S NEWEST CASINO EXPERIENCE

New York City law student and gifted poker player Mike McDermott dreams of winning the World Series of Poker. At an underground Texas hold ’em game run by Russian mobster Teddy “KGB”, an overconfident Mike loses his entire $30,000 bankroll in a single hand. Shaken, he promises his girlfriend and fellow student Jo he has quit poker, and concentrates on law school. His mentor Joey Knish offers to stake him to rebuild his bankroll but Mike declines and accepts a part-time job to make money. It’s one of the more modern poker movies, especially since it is based on a true story. In the film, Jessica Chastain narrates the story of Molly Bloom, a champion skier who suffers a career-ending injury on her road to the Winter Olympics.

Big Time Gambling Boss [Blu-ray]

Since then, the prospect of banning all gambling advertising from our screens, be they wall-mounted or hand-held, has become a bit of a political and sociological circus, which is what invariably happens when the Greens become involved. The problem with the M category is that it has no legal force, which means that very young children can and do attend such films, risking potential harm from violent, scary and otherwise disturbing themes and content. And perhaps might discourage marketers from aiming their M classified titles, and linked products like toys and games, at the young. Student Edge members enjoy exclusive movie ticket discounts at HOYTS every Monday – Thursday with $12.50 tickets for general session and $32 tickets for HOYTS LUX.

Best Poker Movie FAQs

  • On one hand, casinos are almost invariably presented as places of glamour and prestige.
  • Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), both mobsters, live in this paradoxical world.
  • Broke is the tale of what is left behind after the full-time whistle has blown, the crowds have gone home, and a champion player has nothing to fall back on except the need to keep on winning.
  • A year out of high school, he still has no job, no plans, and no idea how to be a man.
  • While the films aren’t about gambling per se, the entire plot revolves around elaborate heists targeting casinos.

This portrayal taps into the fantasy of instant wealth and the excitement of risk-taking. Gambling movies have been captivating audiences for decades, providing a glimpse into the exciting world of casinos and games. From the hilarious antics of “The Hangover” to the heartwarming journey of “Rain Man,” these movies showcase the thrill of gambling, the relationships formed and tested, and the personal growth of their characters. However, Stoner finds out the game is rigged against Howard by Slade seeking revenge for his loss to Howard. Although subjective, Rounders (1998) is widely considered the quintessential poker movie due to its realistic poker action, memorable characters and influence on poker culture during the poker boom of the early 2000s.

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  • What we’ve found in situations like this when we’re trying to sell a new direction to a client is by showing them references of similar videos.
  • It ultimately brought in $US59.5 million at the box office — about $US611.4 million in today’s money.
  • As you might expect, there’s a ringleader, Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney), and a team of high risk-takers who want to execute one of the most elaborate casino heists in history.
  • In June 2023, the federal government’s Inquiry into Online Gambling and its Impacts on those Experiencing Gambling Harm, commissioned on a referral from federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, published its final report.
  • Lootz has to choose between all the different directions his life is going, to keep what he loves close.
  • Excitingly in June Bus Stop Films rolled out a 10 week documentary studies program for individuals who have a lived experience of mental health issues.
  • “I had to understand the psychology of it more. What drove people to gamble. I spoke to a lot of specialists as well.”
  • This is another classic film, so applying today’s poker standards to it might not hold water.

On Thursday 9 November 1961, a man named Brian descended the stairs to a cellar in Liverpool and changed the world forever with The Beatles. The compelling story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with a charming neurosurgeon sparks an intense connection. Documentary filmmaking is a powerful medium to give those who are often sidelined in society a voice and to give audiences a different perspective of the world.

Where to watch Casino

Some well-received poker films include the western comedy Maverick (1994), Survivor host Jeff Probst’s debut film Finder’s Fee (2001), the improv-inspired The Grand (2007) and indie comedy darling Hitting the Nuts (2010). The movie dives deep into how betting has affected rugby league in Australia and how big money wagers and odds have also led to accusations that many of the league’s games are fixed. The movie even follows some former rugby players that may be off the field now, but have gotten obsessed with betting on league games and winning money – which seldom goes as per plan.

  • Will the Ocean’s 11 make away with millions of dollars from the tycoon’s coffers?
  • Contact your friends and family as well as local churches, recovery/addiction professionals and groups, your local politicians – both for your town and your state legislative district, and your local newspaper.
  • The problem with the M category is that it has no legal force, which means that very young children can and do attend such films, risking potential harm from violent, scary and otherwise disturbing themes and content.
  • Winx, a remarkable Australian racehorse, etched her name in history with an extraordinary 33-race winning streak, cementing her status as a modern-day legend akin to the iconic Phar Lap.
  • “Chris and John will complement a wealth of experience already on the committee and will continue to represent industry interests and provide arm’s length decision-making on funding,” Grant said.
  • Like the cricket comedy Backyard Ashes, Broke will start its run in the country, with a premiere in Gladstone in Queensland where it was shot.
  • Most regularly, they show loud and colourful slot machines with the fruits pinging into a line to the sound of clinking coins, or gatherings around poker tables with stern-faced dealers.
  • Davis describes his first feature film as “a redemption tale, a salt of the earth drama with that typical Aussie humour”.

Poker

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of the land. We thank them for their storytelling, music and dance, and appreciate their impact on the performing arts industry. If you are looking for a casino movie jam-packed with murder, power, money, deception, and greed, Casino will simply knock your socks off. William Jefferson Slade (Rip Torn), a wealthy con man with a chip on his shoulder for Lancey Howard, tries to blackmail Shooter into rigging the game in Stoner’s favour, just to get back at Howard. Problems start because of this attempted blackmail and the lead up to the game is in no way pleasant, regardless of whether Shooter accepts the offer or not. Borrowing from the songwriter Tim Freedman, the pokies should all be exploded.

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His fiance’ Tully Rosenberg hopes the film will bring a better understanding of gambling addiction to a wider audience. “I thought, here’s a story that I could make on a small budget. But also something that could resonate and have a real social message about an issue that is not going away any time soon.” Broke is the tale of what is left behind after the full-time whistle has blown, the crowds have gone home, and a champion player has nothing to fall back on except the need to keep on winning. Our in-house retailer offers a range of luxury Crown products available for purchase, including a select range of Crown linen and At Home products. Once you’ve chosen the venue, you’ll have to find out what equipment they have and how they will show the film.

Psychological Creature Thriller The Room Below Shoots in Sydney

Lootz has to choose between all the different directions his life is going, to keep what he loves close. Manager of Shangri-La Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin) is what one would term, ‘old fashioned’. He is still living in a world of mob-run cafes and gambling dens and hates the regular Disney-fication of the Strip. One of the main principles old-school Vegas dogs employ is to con the players into losing more money than they would if left on their own.

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His single mom, Cynthia, gives him an ultimatum – to step up or move out. Doug, played by Justin Bartha, and his three friends, played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, go to Las Vegas for a wild bachelor party two days before the wedding. The next day, the three groomsmen wake up with no memory and can’t find Doug. They scramble to retrace their steps and find him, aiming to return him to LA for the wedding. The film is full of hilarious moments, perfectly depicting just how wild and crazy adventures in Las Vegas can be. Four years before the WSOP was even a thing, Warner Brothers released A Big Hand for the Little Lady, also known as Big Deal at Dodge City.

Rounders (film)

The movie is based on Oscar who is a talented gambler that uses his brains and mathematical prowess to strategically gamble and make plenty of money which he even uses to pay for his tuition and even donates a lot of his winnings to charity. Cal is an adventurer and professional pool player who makes his money by beating newcomers to the local bars who have come there looking for easy money. On his way he meets a strange loner, Joe, hiding from his dark past, which may have something to do with his father. Even though Ocean and the team have laid out a highly detailed and elaborate plan, the heist faces plenty of turns and twists. Will the Ocean’s 11 make away with millions of dollars from the tycoon’s coffers? If you have 1hr 57min to spare, this is a casino heist movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

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Regardless of the extent to which gambling features in a production, there’s a notable duality in its portrayal. On one hand, casinos are almost invariably presented as places of glamour and prestige. The cinematography often emphasizes the luxury of these establishments – the dazzling lights, the luxurious interiors, and the beautiful people in expensive attire.

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A new Australian film about gambling addiction in sport – how it can devastate the lives of former star players – has started rolling out in festival screenings. When playing online roulette at Ignition, these themes become more relatable, as one delves into the contrasts between chance and control, fate and free will. The game itself demonstrates the unpredictable nature of life, which is something many casino-inspired movies explore, as characters take major risks, make critical decisions, and enter high-stakes forms of entertainment. There are several movies that either feature poker or see the actors play poker. Some of the more famous poker movies are The Cincinnati Kid, Molly’s Game, Rounders and Casino Royale, all of which have poker form some of all of the action in the film.

gambling movies

A general negative overtone in portrayals of female gamblers was interpreted as a reflection of the traditional view that discourages women from gambling. The shift of gambling themes in the Hong Kong movies has been identified to reflect the most salient concerns among Hong Kong residents. Such changes are attributed to particular social and cultural changes in the community.

  • One of the main principles old-school Vegas dogs employ is to con the players into losing more money than they would if left on their own.
  • The movie even follows some former rugby players that may be off the field now, but have gotten obsessed with betting on league games and winning money – which seldom goes as per plan.
  • The inquiry was, to put not too fine a point on things, rather damning of sports betting and its apparent harms.
  • The odd crew decides, 2 days before Doug’s wedding, to make a trip to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.
  • Rounders gives you a slice of everything, with a drama-filled script, great rating and a star-studded cast (with Matt Damon as the main star, as well as Edward Norton and John Malkovich).
  • “I had the idea decades ago, growing up around rugby league circles in Western Sydney and seeing and seeing the problem of gambling addiction,” Davis says.
  • For many, that came in 2015 with the release of Mississippi Grind, a drama written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and starring Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds.
  • “In the past, when an outside entity has bought into Hollywood, the trend has always been to second guess the people who already make movies for a living.”
  • Along the way, the film also delivers meaningful and emotional lessons about family bonds.

By the same token, roulette can be used in other films to highlight a character’s internal conflicts or transitions. For example, a character who engages in a high-stakes game of roulette might be portrayed as being at a crossroads, facing a gamble that mirrors their life decisions. The game’s outcomes can serve as metaphors for their personal stakes, whether they’re taking a major risk, making a critical decision, or confronting the consequences of their actions. Allegations of match fixing and revelations about the gambling problems of star players have been a blight on rugby league.

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There’s no more miserable sight than walking through an RSL club at 10am and observing scores of people hypnotically spinning their money into oblivion. Yet as much as regulators turn the thumbscrews on masking their existence, the pokies won’t disappear. Jump forward to now and certain sections of society are worried we have a looming catastrophe on our hands. Forget Caine, we’ve even had Samuel L. Jackson extolling the virtues of a particular sports bookmaker.

gambling movies

I thought it a good case study as it shows how a potentially touchy subject can be handled effectively with humour. Keep track of the movies and show you want to see + get Flicks email updates. It was not long before he was spending all his money feeding his addiction. Tovia Alefosio was a young rugby player https://allspinswin.org/ in New Zealand when he first began laying bets on pretty much any sport he could get odds on. The film has earned the thumbs up from many of those who work with problem gamblers. “I had to understand the psychology of it more. What drove people to gamble. I spoke to a lot of specialists as well.”

gambling movies

Whether it’s the cunning strategies at the poker table or the suspense of a life-and-death gamble, these movies provide a cinematic experience that’s as exhilarating as the games themselves. Months pass and Mike stays true to his promise until his childhood friend Lester “Worm” Murphy is released from prison. While Mike is an honest player, Worm is a hustler and unapologetic cheat.

The odd crew decides, 2 days before Doug’s wedding, to make a trip to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. If you keep a tab on what’s happening in the world of poker, then Stu Ungar needs no introduction. He’s well-known poker guru famed for becoming the first-ever player to scoop 3 WSOP Main Event tournaments in the history of World Series of Poker.

What’s lost in this morass is the folly of the government controlling what people can be told, and the usurping of the freedom of free will. There’s a special flavour of nonsense that’s enveloped by the idea that the banning of sports-betting advertising might somehow make sports betting disappear, with the lemming-like influenced masses instead choosing to not gamble at all. Rodney has been writing about films for well over two decades, appreciates a good wine, the love of his wife and kids, and the affection of his dog and cats.

Once your venue is set and a date is chosen, it’s time to let people know! Contact your friends and family as well as local churches, recovery/addiction professionals and groups, your local politicians – both for your town and your state legislative district, and your local newspaper. Make sure to reach out via social media and link to the film @outofluckmovie.

His interests were primarily in real estate – but he saw the value MGM’s glamorous reputation could bring to a Las Vegas hotel and casino. “Those were the biggest films. And they won several Oscars for it. But also just made extraordinary box office out of that era.” “In the 1930s, sequels were occasionally created for popular films but only inadvertently after the first film proved successful,” he said.