For those who love the thrill of online casino games, gambling books and films can be a great (and sometimes relatable) source of entertainment. From classic tales of luck and misfortune to modern stories of high-stakes games, there’s something for everyone in this genre.
Here’s our review of the best fiction books and films about the gambling industry that will provide an entertaining (and possibly insightful) read.
Top books
“The Cincinnati Kid” by Richard Jessup
Amazon rating: 4.3 stars
Goodreads rating: 3.9 stars
“The Cincinnati Kid” is a classic story about a young man from Cincinnati who is determined to become the best poker player in town and challenge one of the city’s most renowned card players. Published in 1965, the novel follows ”the Kid’s” journey as he navigates the seedy underworld of underground poker and the high stakes of professional gambling, offering readers an exciting glimpse into high-stakes poker games as well as their consequences for those involved. The book was adapted into a movie in 1965 and is widely considered to be one of the best gambling-related books ever written.
With a strong focus on strategy and the psychological aspects of gambling, “The Cincinnati Kid” is a timeless classic sure to captivate readers.
“The Gambler” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars
Goodreads rating: 3.9 stars
“The Gambler” is a novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky and follows the story of a young man who is addicted to gambling. The protagonist, Alexei, is a former student who inherits a large sum of money and uses it to try to break the bank in a high-stakes game of roulette. The book delves into the dark side of gambling and how it affects the protagonist and those around him. It was published in 1866, but the themes of addiction and desperation are still relevant today.
“The Gambler” is a powerful story that is sure to leave readers with a lasting impression and has been widely praised for its insight into the dangers of gambling addiction.
“The Man with the Golden Arm” by Nelson Algren
Amazon rating: 4.3 stars
Goodreads rating: 3.9 stars
“The Man with the Golden Arm” is a 1949 novel about addiction and the power of luck. The book follows the story of Frankie Machine, an ex-army veteran who finds himself addicted to heroin and is driven to gamble in order to pay for his habit. Frankie becomes obsessed with winning big at craps in order to escape his troubles, giving readers a glimpse into what drives someone towards compulsive gambling even when there are no tangible rewards. The book is widely praised for its realistic and accurate portrayal of the grim realities of gambling addiction and its devastating effects.
Top films
The Sting
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
IMBd rating: 8.3/10
“The Sting” is a 1973 crime film directed by George Roy Hill. The film follows two con artists who plot to swindle a mob boss out of a large sum of money. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for not one, not two, but ten Academy Awards. It is widely considered one of the best films ever made about gambling.
Rounders
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 87%
IMBd rating: 7.3/10
“Rounders” is a 1998 film directed by John Dahl. The film tells the story of two friends who get caught up in the world of high-stakes poker. “Rounders” was critically acclaimed and has become a cult classic among fans of the game. It was also the inspiration for the television series “High Stakes Poker.”
The Cooler
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77%
IMBd rating: 6.9/10
“The Cooler” is a 2003 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Wayne Kramer and starring William H. Macy, Maria Bello and Alec Baldwin. The film follows the story of a luckless man, Bernie Lootz (Macy), who works as a “cooler” at a Las Vegas casino, helping to break up winning streaks. His job is to stand next to big winners and use his bad luck to cool their big wins. It was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Croupier
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
IMBd rating: 7/10
“Croupier” is a 1998 film directed by Mike Hodges. The film follows the story of Jack Manfred, a writer who takes a job as a croupier in a casino. “Croupier” is a 1998 British neo-noir film directed by Mike Hodges. It stars Clive Owen as Jack, an aspiring novelist working as a croupier in a London casino. The movie follows Jack’s journey into the criminal underworld of gambling and his attempts to stay afloat while doing so. “Croupier” is an interesting character study with plenty of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on your toes throughout the entire movie.
The film provides an insightful look into the world of gambling and was praised for its accurate and realistic portrayal of the industry.
More of the best with BetMGM
If you’re looking for more of the best books on gambling, such as autobiographies and guides, be sure to check out the top gambling books of all time and the must-read poker books.
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