We all love casino movies. The non-stop action, the thrill of the chase, and the lavish lifestyle all seem to captivate us in a way that other genres just can’t quite achieve. Mostly, these movies are rooted firmly in the world of fiction. However, some of them are based on true stories. These films show a deeper side to the world of casinos, serving to enchant and enthrall us with a complex reality we never knew existed.
1.Bugsy
The 1991 movie Bugsy is a neat flick with a fantastic plot surrounding the origins of modern-day Las Vegas, Nevada, and one of its founding fathers. The main character is none other than Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, a notorious real-life gangster born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1906. Bugsy was a high-level career criminal sent to oversee various rackets in California but got sidetracked by that glorious stretch of desert in next-door Nevada.
The story of how Bugsy founded the famous Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and jump-started a whole new era of gambling, glitz, and glamour in Las Vegas is a true one, and his antics are displayed perfectly in this movie. For anyone hoping to learn a bit about Vegas and how it came to be America’s playground and gangster capital, Bugsy is a must-see movie.
2.Casino
Directed by the award-winning Martin Scorsese, Casino checks all the boxes that a great casino movie should. It’s got mob bosses, gorgeous ladies, plenty of high-rollers, and it’s all set in fabulous Las Vegas. The icing on top? It’s based on a true story. This 1995 film is centered on events that took place long after Bugsy Siegel had graced the desert landscape, and it’s particularly cool to watch after you’ve finished the first movie.
Casino revolves around Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a character based on the real-life gangster Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, who managed the Fremont, Hacienda, and Stardust casinos in the 70s and 80s. It follows his career as a mobster and the work/love triangle between him, Ginger McKenna, and Nicky Santoro, all of whom are also based on real people. Even though the names are changed, many of the scenes and storylines closely resemble real-life events which took place during this time.
To top it all off, you’ll see plenty of thrilling gaming action in this film. And if all this Casino talk has you itching to play some games, you’re not alone. The good news is, you have more options than ever to take part in the fun—and depending on your location, you might not even have to leave your home. Those living in wager-friendly states like Nevada and New Jersey have options to consider, while online casinos like Unibet offer Pennsylvania players an array of choice games to pick from.
3.High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a 2003 film based on the nearly unbelievable life of one Stu Ungar. The son of a small-time bookmaker, Ungar discovered his love and major talent for card games at a young age. The storyline follows his trials and tribulations as he goes through life as a gin rummy player and poker champion, detailing his ups and downs along the way.
Played by Michael Imperioli, Ungar is a haunted but poignant character who we have little trouble connecting with and feeling compassion for, especially later on in the film when things begin to unravel. Undoubtedly a card-playing genius, Ungar has his demons which reveal themselves time and again in this heartfelt story.
Now that you know the three best casino films based on real-life events, you can dive into this world of true stories in style. Ready to get started? We’re not surprised. Snuggle up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and let the games begin!
