What movies got wrong (or right) about gambling

How accurate are casino scenes in movies

In movies, gambling scenes are famous for being exciting and full of risk. They make us hold our breath because there's always a chance something big might happen. But here's the thing—movies often spice things up to make them more entertaining. They add glamor and improbable wins that might not be exactly how things work in real life.

Take Vegas Vacation (1997) as an example. It's a satire that exaggerates gambling for laughs. The main character, Clark, thinks he can win big against all odds. The movie shows him having crazy luck and winning jackpots that, in reality, rarely happens. One scene even has him playing Keno and hitting all the numbers for a huge prize. Vegas Vacation makes Las Vegas look stereotypically flashy and over-the-top.

But if we look at it from another angle, the movie also touches on a serious issue—problem gambling. Clark, the main character, shows signs of making bad choices in gambling, like chasing losses, which means betting more to try to win back the money you've lost. And unlike the unrealistic winning streak, this practice is common for many problem gamblers.

Breaking the myths

In movies, the portrayal of gambling can sometimes mirror real-life scenarios, especially in movies based on true events. However, that doesn't mean that every detail is accurate. Sometimes, it's all about creating an impact.

There are movies that focus on the casino world itself, like Casino, while others zoom in on specific casino games, as seen in 21. There are also instances where the narrative explores the darker side of gambling, addressing issues like addiction, chasing losses, and the personal struggles of those caught in unhealthy gambling habits, as depicted in The Rounders.

Gambling can take on various facets—from being associated with sophistication and luxury in films like James Bond's Casino Royale to perpetuating the notion that one needs to be a mathematical genius to count cards, à la Rain Man. Criminal elements are not uncommon, with movies featuring casino heists or mafia involvement, exemplified by Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Thirteen.

Before we dive deeper into specific movies and how they show gambling (whether it's true or not), let's talk about some common gambling stereotypes often portrayed in movies.

1. Getting super rich super fast
   

   In a lot of movies, gambling is an easy way to become a millionaire overnight. But the truth is, the odds always favor the casino, so winning is much less likely than it seems on the screen. It's important to play responsibly because, despite what books or movies might say, there's no guaranteed way to win.

2. Casinos are run by the mafia and underground
   

   Adding an element of excitement, certain films connect casinos with the mafia, particularly in iconic places like Las Vegas. But today, casinos with licenses follow strict rules and are highly regulated. The mafia's involvement is mostly a thing of the past.

3. Casinos don't shy away from violence
   

   Movies sometimes show casinos using tough guys to beat up cheaters. Nowadays, the worst thing that usually happens is getting kicked out. Violence isn't a common response, and even counting cards, though frowned upon, isn't against the law.

4. The idea of "coolers"
   

   Certain movies, such as The Cooler (2003), suggest that casinos send special employees to bring bad luck to winners. That's simply a made-up story. There aren't any magical "cooler" people in casinos. These scenes are solely used to make storylines more interesting, not to show how casinos really work.

5. Ridiculous poker hands & crazy bets
   

   Getting a poker hand like the royal flush is pretty common in Hollywood movies. But in reality, these hands are incredibly rare. The big, dramatic poker moments in movies are usually way more exciting than what happens in real games.

   Also, moviemakers sometimes show people making crazy bets, such as throwing a fancy watch onto the table. They forget that most gamblers have a budget, casinos have rules, and those big bets don't really work like that.

Always play responsibly

The way gambling is shown in the media can have a big impact on how the public feels about it. Misinformation regarding gambling odds and strategies can be very powerful, and it may also create false hope in viewers about the potential outcomes of their bets.

Over-glamorization of gambling has the potential to romanticize it while hiding its risks. It is important to remember that every person's experience with gambling is unique, and that the real world is always slightly different from what we see on television and in the movies.

Clearly, gambling carries a lot of hazards. But when done responsibly, it may be a fulfilling experience. Keep in mind—gambling is not a way to make quick money; rather, it is merely a form of entertainment.

It's crucial to take regular breaks, remain aware of the risks, ask for help when you need it, and understand the world of casino games you're about to play. This article should serve as a basis for debunking the myths, so we can contribute to a more balanced understanding of what gambling truly looks like.

Mistakes in famous gambling movies

Movies about gambling are timeless. We all know James Bond series, Ocean's Eleven, or California Split—the Citizen Kane of gambling movies. There's just something captivating about them. It's like buying into a dream, a life that most of us won't ever experience. And you know what? Sometimes, that's a good thing.

Even though some of these classic films are great in terms of filmmaking, they don't always get the gambling world right. Let's check out some big mistakes in famous gambling movies:

• Casino Royale
• Casino
• 21
• Rounders
• Ocean's Thirteen

Casino Royale (2006)

In the world of high-stakes gambling portrayed in Casino Royale, the game of choice is no-limit Texas Hold'em. It's considered the elite of the elite, known for its high stress levels. Unlike many other poker games, in this one, you can bet all your money in a single hand, requiring serious skill.

Such high-stakes games do happen, often tucked away in private salons or rooms. Access to these exclusive spaces might be restricted, but in Nevada, you're allowed to enter private salons, making it an exception.

However, if you do not experience the atmosphere of a high-stakes poker table in Las Vegas, you can get closer to it through the movie Casino Royale. But be careful, some scenes in this movie are blindingly inaccurate.

For example, dealers in high-end games involving professional poker players typically don't go over the basics and trivialities. The movie's portrayal of the dealer talking and explaining the procedure of the game is way out of character.

On the other hand, the use of blue plaques in the film, representing larger sums of money, aligns with European practices. Given that Casino Royale is set in Montenegro, this scene makes sense in this context.

When Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) takes measures to try and get Bond (Daniel Craig) out of the poker game, it's all exaggerated. Contrary to the movie's dramatic portrayal, the long delays where players stare each other down don't really happen.

In the movie, the dealer is taking each guest's hand and adding it to the board, which is not necessary when professional poker players are playing. In a real game, there would also be side pots with smaller amounts of bets from other players.

Even the scene's depiction of showing hands isn't correct. Typically, in an all-in situation with side pots, the two biggest players (in this case, Le Chiffre and James Bond) reveal their cards first because they have the most money in the pot, but here it's the other way around.

Also, the unrealistic scenario of all players having super-strong hands in a massive pot is very improbable, occurring at a chance of one in millions. The final touch, where James Bond wins with a straight flush, adds a dramatic flair, but it is one of the most absurd sets of hands you can see on the screen.

As for tipping a dealer at the end of the poker game scene, practices vary. Most dealers appreciate a share of the wealth when a guest is winning, a common practice among high rollers in America. European practices might differ, and opinions on when and how to tip can vary widely.

Casino (1995)

Casino is a 1995 epic crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas.

Casino follows Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish American gambling expert who is asked to oversee the day-to-day casino and hotel operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas.

Other major characters include Nicky Santoro, a "made man" and a friend of Sam, and Ginger McKenna, a streetwise chip hustler whom Sam marries and has a daughter with.

The movie Casino details Sam's operation of the casino, the difficulties he confronts in his job, and how the Mafia's involvement with the casino in Las Vegas changes over the years.

The main characters are based on real people—Sam is inspired by the life of Frank Rosenthal, also known as "Lefty," who ran the Stardust, Fremont, Marina, and Hacienda casinos in Las Vegas from 1968 until 1981. Nicky and Ginger are based on mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro and former dancer Geri McGee.

The filmmakers did a good job portraying the role of an operations director in a casino, providing a glimpse into the historical workings of Las Vegas controlled by the Mafia. The visuals and overall atmosphere are generally accurate, thanks to Scorsese collaborating with Pileggi, who had insights into the casino world.

Overall, Casino offers a reasonably authentic look into the gambling industry in Las Vegas, inspired by real events and people. It focuses on how the casino establishments used to be run, not on any casino game in particular.

However, there is one scene that is worth our attention. It features people playing blackjack at a casino table, where a player doubles down on an eight when the dealer's up hand is a ten—a move knowledgeable players don't typically make.

Despite this, in the movie, the player wins, prompting casino operators to scrutinize the situation. Is it a mere coincidence, or is there potential foul play? Is the person cheating?

One could get the impression that casino staff, including security and operators (often referred to as bouncers), even nowadays closely monitor suspicious individuals. As shown in the movie, we picture them standing somewhere nearby, with a serious look on their face.

However, the truth is that today's surveillance capabilities allow operators to make decisions from a distance. Advanced camera technology captures every detail of a game, and dangerously looking bouncers on the casino floor watching you, are outdated.

Another thing of the past is resorting to violence against customers. In the 21st century, with strict regulations from gaming control boards and corporate-run casinos, such practices are obsolete. Remember, the narrative depicted in Casino might have been true once, but it no longer holds today.

21 (2008)

21, directed by Robert Luketic, is an American heist drama film that draws inspiration from the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, as chronicled in Ben Mezrich's 2003 best-selling book, Bringing Down the House.

The MIT Blackjack Team, formed of students and ex-students from prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard, used card counting techniques and sophisticated strategies to outsmart casinos globally.

While the film accurately explains blackjack and its rules, it takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic effect in other aspects of the story. For example, with card counting, Hollywood movies do their own thing.

The most obvious inaccuracy we could see throughout the film is, citing one of the main characters: "There is not as much strategy as people think in blackjack."

That's obviously a big misconception. Blackjack, especially professional blackjack, is a game that is all about strategy, and whether you're playing the strategy correctly or incorrectly determines a great deal of the game's outcome.

The movie introduces a group of university students, mathematical masterminds, led by Professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), and recently joined by Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess). Ben is a brilliant student and somewhat of a genius, who scored exceptionally high on all his SATs. That single-handedly qualifies him as a Big Player.

The Big Player strategy in blackjack was introduced by blackjack legend Al Francesco in 1971. He decided to assemble a team of blackjack players who would work together in tandem to beat the casinos at blackjack. His team consisted of seven members. Six of them were props. Their job was to locate the tables with a high count. The other member, the Big Player, was signaled to sit down at the hot table.

However, in professional blackjack, even though success requires a series of certain mathematical processes, the ability to multitask and be aware of the casino environment is way more important. Card counters, even the Big Players, don't have to be geniuses or have ridiculously high IQs.

Extravagant tipping casino staff is outlined in this film as well, but usually, players don't tip every other chance they get. Professional blackjack players know that it would cut into their win rate significantly.

Another thing is that the card counters are obviously using the high-low count. Interestingly, when using that system, you have to convert from what is the running count into what is the true count, and there is never a time they explain or ever seem to use a true count. That simply means they aren't playing the strategy properly, or at least, they don't express that.

The cherry on the inaccuracy top is that the only time the team loses a game is when they get emotions involved. The rest of the time, they are winning every night, at every table.

The truth is, the only reason professional blackjack players get away with playing at the same casino for a long period of time is because they don't always win. It is simply not possible, even if they are counting cards.

Overall, movie 21 does a decent job describing what blackjack is, how it looks, and how an advantaged team of card counters might work together (maybe except for the part where they are all drinking the night before counting cards).

But here's where it gets tricky. The film dances around card counting inaccuracies, staging situations that seem Hollywood-glam but miss the mark in the real casino world.

The main characters like to wear disguises, for example. Disguises are a real thing even today, but there's a bit of a mix-up in the movie. Even though the protagonists try not to be seen together and trick the face recognition software, there are scenes of them going into or out of the casino together.

Also, the super-smart face recognition software was working well before this movie was even made. And just so you know, card counting is not against the law. So, what were those college students, and their professor so concerned about?

Rounders (1998)

Most of the plot of the movie takes place in the underground environment of illegal poker games. We won't find any glamorous buildings, regulated casino tables, or illuminated Las Vegas here. On the other hand, we are offered a look at highly unsafe underground poker games that truly do exist.

The plot revolves around two young poker players trying to win enough money to pay off their high debt. Director John Dahl cast in these lead roles Matt Damon as Mike, and Edward Norton as his best friend, "Worm."

Rounders is one of the most universally loved and appreciated poker movies of all time, but still, some minor errors can be found in it. For example, in several scenes throughout the film, poker players are shown dealing cards at the table.

You certainly would not want the actual player dealing the cards when it comes to high-stake games, because the dealer could cheat to benefit himself, something players are, even in underground circles, very concerned about.

The movie Rounders does live up to its reputation. It's a great poker movie that does a good job at providing a look into the principles of poker and its dangers. It underlines the fact that poker is not just about cards, but also about reading the player.

Through voice-overs in the film, we hear Mike's mind working as he constantly analyzes the other players. He has developed a skill in reading other players' faces and behaviors and in knowing how they would react to his own actions. As Mike points out, "If you can't spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker."

In the world of poker, skilled players know each other, each having a sense of the others' skill levels. These players "make the rounds" in various high-stakes games, hence the title, Rounders.

Skilled poker players have to be good at statistics. They must have an overview of what the chances of them winning are with certain cards, they have to plan ahead. That's exactly what Rounders shows us. The movie is much more realistic than Casino Royale when it comes to authentic poker hands, strategy, decision-making, and the results of playing high-stake games.

If you take one thing away from Rounders, let it be that even for the most skilled players, poker remains a game of chance. The film also brings out many other realities of gambling, which it portrays relatively inconspicuously and yet accurately.

Consider, for example, "Worm" in comparison to Mike's friend and poker mentor, Joey Knish (John Turturro). Joey Knish has a good understanding of the odds of winning and plays conservatively. He knows it can lead to success but rarely to a big payoff.

He pays his bills and supports his family through patience and consistency in poker play. Knish does not feel the lure of going for a big win and is as successful as he needs to be. For him, poker playing is a source of extra income, nothing more. He's a realist.

In contrast, "Worm" is released from prison and immediately returns to poker playing. He's not a technical player, nor is he patient. He is skilled at sleight of hand and clever cheating. For him, it is about the sheer excitement of conning the other players, the love of risk and gambling.

Although Rounders does show some of the harmful consequences of gambling, poker playing is still presented as glamorous and exciting. This can be misleading, and it can promote unsustainable ways of approaching casino games.

In reality, "Worm" clearly meets all criteria for problematic gambling. In real life, this condition causes people serious problems. So, take this movie as a warning rather than an inspiration, and watch out for these behaviors:

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve excitement.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
• Repeating unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
• Being preoccupied with gambling.
• Gambling when feeling distressed.
• Returning the next day to get even after a significant loss.
• Lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
• Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Ocean's Thirteen is a heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh. It is the last part of the Ocean film trilogy, which also includes Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Eleven (2001). Among the ensemble cast of the movie are George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Andy García, Matt Damon, Al Pacino, and numerous others.

The main character, Danny Ocean (George Clooney), gathers his crew for the last time and plans to ruin a casino called Bank on the opening night of the hotel.

For dramatic effects, a lot of things in this film are exaggerated. Ocean's Thirteen truly isn't a realistic portrayal of a casino or casino games, let alone a casino heist.

Everything about it is glitzy, extravagant, and sometimes even absurd. One thing must be acknowledged, though—plenty of movie scenes and procedures are based on actual tricks. The only issue is that they are overkill.

Surveillance rooms, for instance, don't look like those in Ocean's Thirteen. The security of the surveillance room is guaranteed by the extremely restricted access granted to a small number of employees and a strong password. Usually, they are much simpler, smaller rooms. In contrast, the one in Ocean's Thirteen appears absurdly flashy.

To make things even less authentic, there is a lockdown with the owner and important personnel stuck inside. There's a possibility of a lockdown in real life, but it never goes as far as the lockdown in the movie, where people can't even call for help or find out what is going on.

Another thing is that casinos would close the games and cease operations if real-world surveillance coverage was compromised. However, the games mysteriously go on in Ocean's Thirteen. The situation is far-fetched to serve the purpose in the movie.

So is the scene where Rusty (Brad Pitt) and Danny play at the roulette table. It appears that Rusty bets between $100,000 and $150,000 on snake eyes, which is a throw of two ones with a pair of dice. No casino would accept a bet that large, and if there was something fishy about the bet, the game would be stopped.

But naturally, there is no stopping the game. Rusty and Danny skillfully maneuver the dice to win this bet in a classic Hollywood style.

Still, there are several ways to cheat the dice. You can manipulate the dice by shaving the edges, you can use magnetic dice or loaded dice.

However, the dice in the scene behaved quite strangely and it was clear that they had been altered. The casino security would not have allowed it to pass.

Last but not least, there is no real chance that everyone in the entire casino would place enormous bets, and even less that so many of them would succeed. There is a maximum wager amount for each bet on each table. Therefore, the scenario where the amount of money that people earned at the casino is flashing about everyone's heads is absolutely over the line.