When it comes to gambling comedies, there are some classics that you just can’t miss. Gambling comedies bring together two of our favourite things – laughter and learning about gambling. Here are some of the best gambling comedies out there, and why you should watch them to pass this time during your next lockdown/quarantine! If you’re looking for some good gambling comedy with an edge while learning some of the best casino slot tips & tricks, these films are definitely worth watching.
21
21 is one of the best gambling comedies out there. The film stars Jim Sturgess as Ben, a young man who is recruited by the institute’s math professor to join a group of students that are using mathematics and complex algorithms to win at blackjack. Together they work their way up through Las Vegas casinos until things start getting dangerous for everyone involved.
According to Sony Pictures, 21 is based on a true story and brings to life the nail-biting suspense of one of the most spectacular gambling feats ever pulled off.
Rounders
Rounders follows two friends Mike (Matt Damon) and Worm (Edward Norton). They’re both addicted gamblers but have different ways of thinking about it. When one gets in too deep with some Russian mobsters, he needs help from his friend if they want any chance of staying alive.
The reviews of this 1998 film on IMBD should reassure you about the quality of this movie. This gambling hit movie brings you through the day-to-day life of a young, reformed gambler who must work hard to juggle his relationship, his schoolwork as a law student, and paying off his loans through gambling.
The Sting
This 1973 classic stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con artists who team up to take on a ruthless mob boss. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning seven including Best Picture, as reported by IMDB.
One of the most famous scenes in the movie is when they pull off their elaborate con at an exclusive casino in Chicago. The Sting is a must-watch for any fan of gambling comedies.
The Gambler
The Gambler stars Mark Wahlberg as Jim, a college professor with a serious gambling addiction. His life spirals out of control as his debts mount, and he’s forced to take increasingly risky bets.
The film is a tense and frequently thrilling drama that offers interesting insights into the mind of a compulsive gambler, leaving you in suspense for an hour and 51 minutes (total runtime).
Making upwards of $33M in the box office, The Gambler has undoubtedly had its fair share of attention since its release in 2015, and for good reason too!
If you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat gambling movie with some laughs thrown in, then The Gambler is definitely worth watching during your next lockdown or quarantine!
Win It All
Joe Swanberg’s latest film, Win It All, is a gambling comedy that follows Eddie (Jake Johnson), a recovering gambler who agrees to watch a duffel bag for an acquaintance he meets in prison. Inside the bag is $17,000 and when Eddie starts gambling with the money, he quickly loses it all.
What follows is a series of unlucky events that force Eddie to take extreme measures in order to get his life back on track.
Although it doesn’t have the same level of fame as some of the other films on this list, Win It All is definitely worth watching if you’re looking for a good laugh and light education on gambling, as shown by the film’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews.
Vegas Vacation
Vegas Vacation is a 1997 comedy film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. It’s the fourth installment of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series and follows Clark Griswold (Chase) and his family as they take a trip to Las Vegas.
The movie was not well-received by critics, but it has its funny moments, most notably when Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) hits on one of the casino dealers (Marisol Nichols).
If you are someone that prefers to make your own opinion about movies, we recommend this film for its numerous hilarious scenes alone!
Mississippi Grind
Mississippi Grind is a 2015 gambling movie that stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, as reported by IMDB. The story follows Gerry (Reynolds), an alcoholic gambler who meets Curtis (Mendelson) on his way to New Orleans for the Poker Championships where he hopes to win enough money so he can take care of his daughter.
The two become friends but have very different opinions about gambling – while Gerry wants nothing more than to go all in no matter what, Curtis has years of experience which means he only plays when the odds are in his favor.
This film was praised upon its release with critics praising its performances especially those from Reynolds and Mendelssohn who were both nominated for Golden Globes in 2016.
Final Thoughts
If you are feeling down while in quarantine, we have just the right list of gambling comedies to get you through it! We hope this article has helped you pick out the next film for movie night!
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