By Mitch Rice
The thrills, excitement and emotion of gambling have always been a theme in popular culture. In fact the first ever worldwide hit song was The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo in 1891.
Today casinos and gaming are themes that appear time and time again across all forms of media. Here are some of the best examples of where gambling has appeared in popular culture:
Movies
Casino (1995)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this is a classic example of a casino-themed movie. It explores Las Vegas casinos, organized crime, and relationships between characters played by stars like Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.
Rounders (1998)
This film revolves around high-stakes poker and with stars like Matt Damon, John Malkovich and Edward Norton, follows a reformed gambler who returns to playing poker to help a friend.
TV Shows
Las Vegas (2003-2008)
This TV series is set in a fictional casino in Las Vegas. It follows the staff’s lives as they deal with various casino-related issues.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Poker scenes play a significant role in many crucial episodes. It’s a way for the director to reflect the high-stakes tension of characters’ situations.
Books
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (1953)
The first ever novel in the James Bond series features a high-stakes baccarat game between James Bond and the evil Le Chiffre. In the book, and later in the movie, the scene shows the intense and glamorous side of gambling.
The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1867)
This classic Russian novel explores the psychological aspects of gambling and its impact on the protagonist’s life.
Stand-Up Comedy
The late comedian George Carlin often incorporated humor related to gambling, odds, and the absurdities of casino culture in his stand-up routines.
Stage Musicals
Guys and Dolls (1950)
Based on the Damon Runyon stories, this Broadway musical and subsequent film revolve around gamblers and their romantic entanglements.
Video Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
This action-adventure game features various forms of gambling, including poker and blackjack, within the game’s saloons and casinos.
Gambling in songs
Nowhere is the link between culture and casino closer than in the world of music.
The tension and drama of playing games of chance has been a rich inspiration for songwriters. It’s more than just capturing the gambling experience – the world of gaming is a metaphor for many of the themes that songwriters love.
Here are six of the best:
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers (1978)
This country song tells the story of a gambler imparting wisdom about life and gambling. It became one of Kenny Rogers’ most iconic songs.
This classic was written by Don Schlitz and tells of a conversation between the singer and a gambler they meet on a train. The gambler imparts wisdom about life using gambling metaphors.
The chorus famously advises: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.”
Poker Face by Lady Gaga (2008)
While not explicitly about gambling, the song uses poker metaphors to explore themes of bluffing and deception.
In this electropop song, Lady Gaga uses poker to explore themes of bluffing and maintaining a ‘poker face’ in relationships. The song became a massive hit and is known for its catchy chorus and danceable beats.
Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley (1964)
Featured in the film of the same name, this rock and roll classic by Elvis Presley celebrates the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of Las Vegas. The song captures the excitement of the city known for its casinos, making it a popular anthem for the Las Vegas experience.
Desperado by The Eagles (1973)
Okay, it’s not explicitly about gambling, but this classic rock song by the Eagles tells the tale of a lone and reckless outlaw, or ‘desperado.’ He is compared to a card player “on a gamblin’ train.”
The lyrics amd melody convey a sense of longing and the consequences of a life on the edge.
Deal by Jerry Garcia Band (1972)
This is a song written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, performed by the Jerry Garcia Band as well as his more famous band, the Grateful Dead. The lyrics contain references to gambling and cards, and the upbeat, rootsy feel of the song is characteristic of the Grateful Dead’s sound.
The Jack by AC/DC (1975)
This rock song by AC/DC uses the metaphor of a card game to describe a woman who has left a trail of heartbreak.
The lyrics play with the imagery of a dangerous card player, likening her impact on relationships to a game of chance.
These songs from very different genres show that the world of games of chance is a perfect theme for musicians. It is full of emotion and drama – and provides a metaphor for many things songwriters try to say.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
