Gambling is a big part of this world and has always been like that throughout history. It got so big to the point where it is embedded in our society and culture, which is why we often see it in the world of TV and film.

You know that you are watching a movie where the actor enters a high-end luxury casino, dressed up all nice and wins millions in just a few spins and all slot machine symbols all align. All of this looks very appealing, but in reality, it is very much different.

Film and TV have always tried to catch the true essence of the casino experience. They’ve always painted this prestigious picture about the world of gambling where individuals have managed to win millions in a few hours.

On the other hand, we have the dark side of gambling, where we often see movies where we’ve seen biography movies where the life of the character goes downhill due to gambling addiction.

Additionally, TV is not a controlled medium. In other words, there is no way of knowing or limiting the content to age groups. That’s why in some countries, casino advertising is strictly prohibited on TV.

In essence, the world of gambling has quite a diverse picture painted by TV and film. We have the ultra-luxurious and quite attractive money-making machine on one hand, and the dark side of gambling addiction and loss.

But let’s dive deeper into the world of gambling TV and film, and find out more about genres, popular movies, and where this industry is headed.

Classic Movies and Series

Casinos on TV are not something new. The world of TV has a rich history of portraying gambling through different formats such as movies or TV series. We also had casino-styled games played live on TV.

Anything from classics like Martin Scorsese’s Casino from 1995 covers the mafia’s influence over Vegas Casinos, to James Bond and Casino Royale where we had the mix of action and gambling.

To be honest, it is quite a rollercoaster where different formats are tied to different categories of movies and TV series. It is safe to say that we’ve seen the good, the bad, and anything in between from the casino industry on TV.

TV Shows

The best way to portray a picture of the world of gambling is through TV shows. These are usually not scripted or fictional, therefore they are the most accurate representation of the industry. We have the TV show “Breaking Vegas” which had a documentary-style approach. 

It was about the popular story of MIT students who used card-counting strategies to win big at blackjack. If you are a gambling enthusiast, you’ve definitely already heard about this story.

Reality Shows and Docu-Series: Real Life, Real Stakes

The Real Deal

One of the most intriguing aspects of gambling TV shows is their ability to present real-life stakes and strategies. Smart Live Casino, a UK-based show, features real players engaging in various casino games in each episode. It combines the thrill of gambling with the unpredictability of reality TV​​.

Inside the Casino World

The Casino, a reality series that aired in 2004, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Shot with high-definition cameras, it was one of the first shows to delve deeply into the operations of a major casino, from management decisions to customer interactions​ ​.

The Poker Phenomenon

High-Stakes Drama

Poker has been a mainstay of gambling portrayals on TV. Poker After Dark is a prime example, showcasing real poker games with professional and amateur players alike. 

The show, which aired on NBC, brought the tension and excitement of high-stakes poker to audiences at home, providing insights into strategies and player psychology​​.

Popular Culture Impact

Poker-themed movies like Casino Royale have also had a significant impact. The James Bond film, with its intense poker scenes, has contributed to the game’s glamorized portrayal. Bond’s cool demeanor and high-risk tactics at the poker table have become iconic, influencing many subsequent TV portrayals of gambling​.

The Dark Side

While some TV shows and movies focus on the glamour, others delve into the darker aspects of gambling. “The Gambler” (2014), starring Mark Wahlberg, provides a gritty look at the consequences of addiction. The series “Shut Eye” explores the murky world of a failed magician turned psychic scam artist, revealing the seedy underbelly of illegal betting and high-stakes poker games​​.

Addiction and Consequences: Shows like “The Gambler” depict the destructive nature of gambling addiction and its impact on personal lives.

Crime and Corruption: Series such as “Luck” and “Shut Eye” highlight the criminal activities often associated with gambling, from rigged games to underground betting rings​.

The Impact on Viewers

Television’s portrayal of gambling can influence public perception and behavior. According to recent studies, glamorizing gambling can lead to an increase in gambling activities among viewers, particularly those who are already at risk of developing addictive behaviors.

 The accessibility of online gambling further exacerbates this issue​.