Deal Me In! Unveiling America’s Favorite Gambling Movies

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BetMGM Sep 04, 2024, 7:07 PM
Table of Contents
The Most Popular Gambling Movie in Every U.S. State
Closing Thoughts
Methodology

Ever wonder what gambling movie reigns supreme in your state? From classics like “Casino” to mind-bending thrillers like “Rounders,” Americans have favorite flicks when it comes to betting and big wins. But you donโ€™t have to take our word for it โ€” we turned to Google Trends to analyze recent popularity of these iconic titles.

We dove into the data, analyzing search trends for dozens of classic gambling movies to reveal America’s favorites, state by state. Get ready to discover hidden gems, iconic blockbusters, and the surprising movies that reign supreme in each region!

mobile U.S. map highlighting the most popular gambling movie in every U.S. state

The undisputed champion is “The Hustler,” reigning supreme in a whopping 16 states and dominating three out of four regions. This classic film’s widespread appeal in states from Washington to Florida and many in between suggests a timeless fascination with the challenges and triumphs of the pool hustler world. However, nostalgia isn’t the only game in town. Newer releases like “The Gambler” (2014) and “Uncut Gems” (2019) hold strong in several states, showcasing the enduring allure of high-stakes drama with a modern twist.

The data also hints at some intriguing regional divides. While “The Hustler” enjoys broad popularity, the West Coast appears to have more diverse tastes, with “The Gambler” (2014) sharing the top spot. Additionally, some states have unearthed unique favorites that seem to resonate with local themes or settings. For instance, “California Split” is the top choice in Kansas, despite its title referencing California, This could be due to the film’s themes of friendship and road trips resonating with Midwestern audiences.ย 

Similarly, “Mississippi Grind” is the favorite in Mississippi, likely due to its direct connection to the state, as the movie features a gambling-focused road trip along the Mississippi River. These preferences suggest that audiences may be drawn to films that either reflect their local culture or offer a compelling glimpse into familiar landscapes, even if the connection isn’t immediately obvious.

Several Vegas-set films appear throughout the list, including the comedy smash hit “The Hangover,” the most popular in the state of Nevada. This goes to show that audiences still love a good on-screen Sin City adventure.

Genre diversity is another key takeaway. From the dramatic intensity of “The Hustler” to the laugh-out-loud chaos of “The Hangover” and the historical intrigue of “Eight Men Out,” viewers crave a variety of experiences within the gambling movie realm. Interestingly, the presence of both “The Gambler” (1974) and its 2014 remake highlights the enduring appeal of classic stories retold for a new generation.

True-life tales also hold significant sway. Films inspired by real events, such as the card-counting exploits of “21” and the baseball betting scandal of “Eight Men Out,” each claiming the top spot in three U.S. states, demonstrate the public’s fascination with the stranger-than-fiction world of real-life gambling.

So, whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or crave the thrill of contemporary stories, there’s a gambling movie out there to quench your thirst. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden gem specific to your region!

Closing Thoughts

Whether you crave the drama of high-stakes cons or the thrill of sports betting scandals, there’s a movie out there to fuel your fascination. At BetMGM, we understand this passion for all things gambling, and we strive to provide that same level of excitement and entertainment through our online platform. With a library of more than 3,000ย  online casino games and slots, BetMGM offers a world of possibilities for every kind of gambler.

Methodology

To determine the most popular gambling movie in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of 32 well-known movies that center around or feature gambling in some form or fashion. We then analyzed the regional interest of the titles on our list using Google Trends search data from June 2023 to June 2024. Finally, we compared search interest to find every stateโ€™s favorite gambling movie overall. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGMโ€™s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGMโ€™s superior product and game library.