Best Gambling Movies on HBO Max – The All Time Playlist For You

Posted: January 26, 2022

Updated: August 28, 2023

Famous filmmakers are happy to turn to the topic of gambling
Where there is a game, there is often risk and cheating
Let's look at the the best gambling movies on HBO Max!

Where there is a game, there is often risk and cheating. Therefore, most of the gambling films are about fraud. Whether it is a card game or a roulette game, everywhere some high-class scammers can deceive the system. However, they do not know that they are already being watched by representatives of the mafia, who are also hungry for big money. What will be the result of it? Let’s figure it out while watching the best gambling movies on HBO Max!

Famous filmmakers are happy to turn to the topic of gambling because it opens up a lot of scope for creating films with a dynamic plot. Indeed, the main characters of such films rely on luck, but often find themselves on the verge of ruin and are forced to look for ways to pay off their debts. The best movies about casinos and gambling are dedicated to big scams, criminal showdowns, and witty decisions that allow heroes to use situations that are close to failures to their advantage. Such stories are sure to attract the attention of viewers. Moreover, they inspire gamblers to visit online casinos in the USA.

Best Gambling Movies On HBO Max: Rounders (1998)

The premiere screening of the film “Rounders” took place on September 4, 1998, in Italy, at the International Film Festival in Venice. The movie was also included in the competitive programs of the IFF “Fantasporto” in Portugal and the film festival in Deauville (France). As you may be wondering why it happened, let’s take a look at its plot.

Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), despite his youth, is quite successful at poker. Indeed, it doesn’t matter to him what cards he and his opponents had. Mike’s talent lies in the fact that he can read the faces of his game partners, what they have on their hands. Also, at the same time, he can skillfully hide his own emotions, misleading other players.

Mike’s cherished poker dream is to sit down at the same gaming table in the finals of the world championship in Las Vegas with the toughest players. However, in the meantime, he hones his skills in the semi-underground clubs of his native New York and surrounding cities. Is his dream coming true? To know the answer to this question you will have to watch this one of the best gambling movies on HBO Max.

Why Watch?

With a budget of $12 million, the film grossed about $23 million at the US box office. Despite not having the highest box office figures, Rounders became very popular among fans of the card game in general and poker in particular. Moreover, soon the picture acquired cult status. It is with the release of “Rounders” that connoisseurs associate a wave of interest in poker. Indeed, many well-known people in poker circles, participants, and winners of prestigious tournaments, such as Hevad Khan, Gavin Griffin, and Dutch Boyd. They admitted that it was John Dahl’s film that gave them the impetus to study the game.

The film received the most flattering reviews from those who know firsthand the world of high stakes and equally high passions at the gambling tables – professional poker players. The winner of numerous championships Vanessa Rousso said:

“There are a lot of movies that talk about poker. However, Rounders is the only one that truly captures the energy and tension of the game. And that’s why it’s become the best poker movie ever.” Meanwhile, you can visit the Ignition Casino to feel the real atmosphere of Las Vegas!

Best Gambling Movies On HBO Max: Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

This is a famous Hollywood crime comedy remake of the classic 1960 American film. The film by Steven Soderbergh. As in the original, played the sex symbols of Hollywood of its time – George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts. Indeed, the film was a huge box office success. Moreover, they released two sequels – Ocean’s Twelve in 2004 and Ocean’s Thirteen in 2007.

So what is this movie about? After being released, convicted con man Danny Ocean (George Clooney) violates his parole and travels to Los Angeles to see former partner and close friend Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt). While in prison, Danny has come up with a plan for a new scam, for the implementation of which he needs help. The two friends gather a group of 11 cons who are going for the crime of their life.

Three actors who received the title of “Sexiest Man Alive” from People magazine played in the film: Brad Pitt – in 1995 and 2000, George Clooney – in 1997 and 2006, Matt Damon – in 2007. Moreover, the film was nominated for a French award “Cesar” as the best foreign film. Indeed, Soderbergh received an Empire magazine nomination for Best Director. And George Clooney got an MTV Award for Best Dressed Hero, as well as all of the film’s cast for Best On-Screen Team. The results of these rewards were predicted by online casino sites in the USA. To be able to pick the right odds read our article about Bets on Series And Movies Explained.

Casino (1995)

Among the Best Gambling Movies on HBO Max. The drama was directed by Martin Scorsese in 1995. The film is based on the book of the same name by Nicholas Pileggi and Larry Shandling. Moreover, Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci star here. The action of the picture takes place in America in the 70s. Gambling genius Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) is the head of the Tangier hotel and large casino. He gets this position by order of mafia bosses. He is completely immersed in the game, but not obsessed with it. Besides, the feature of always betting on the wrong horse allowed him to break out of poverty.

At the same time, no one knows how to work as selflessly and accurately as Sam. Thus, he is very popular among the mafia. To prevent Ace from managing the casino, his childhood friend, gangster Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), is working with him.

Summary – Best Gambling Movies On HBO Max

At first, things go well in Las Vegas. The casino is booming, and Sam’s bosses are enjoying the constant flow of money. The police and the courts were bought, the city authorities were at the mercy of the mafia. All in all, nothing overshadowed the life of Ace. However, then viewers watch the story of Sam’s love for the sex worker Ginger (Sharon Stone) and their unhappy marriage. “Casino” is the last truly great film with the participation of Robert De Niro. According to critics, the actor played an unusually psychological and realistic gambling tycoon under the guise of a mafia. If you have already seen the film, look at the list of 4 Best Gambling Movies on Amazon Prime. And do not forget to visit the Ignition Casino. Good luck!