The casino is a classy, exciting and intense setting, which makes it the perfect backdrop for a movie scene. When you think of a casino, the chances are that you’ll picture elegantly dressed crowds, sipping martinis, all stood around the table, and placing their bets. The likelihood is that this image has either been procured from a visit to a brick-and-mortar casino or, most likely, from a movie that you’ve seen.
Today, you don’t have to adorn your finest dress or suit, and walk into a land-based casino to experience its stylish and sophisticated charm. With live casino games on Karamba, for example, you can play a classic casino game from the comfort of your own home, in the company of a professional, live dealer. If that’s not enough, we’ve compiled a list of films that feature a fictional casino, so that you can live your gaming fantasies through your favourite stars on the big screen.
Casino Royale – Casino Royale
Casino Royale needs no introduction, since it is the fictional casino and title of the 2006 James Bond movie, starring Daniel Craig. The film, based on Ian Fleming’s novel, sees Bond conquer Le Chiffre in a game of cards in the fictional venue. It was originally set in Northern France, however the film adaptation relocated the casino to Montenegro.
Just to confuse us further, filming of the set actually took place in the Czech Republic, using the town of Karlovy Vary to shoot scenes that took place outside of the casino. If you’re a James Bond enthusiast, you’ll be well aware that casinos are a common backdrop for numerous scenes in the movie franchise, however, Casino Royale is the most memorable and iconic gambling venue that 007 graces with his presence.
Casino – The Tangiers
Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, the 1995 gangster film Casino features its own fictional casino, called The Tangiers. The film’s protagonist, Sam Ace Rothstein is played by Robert De Niro, who is renowned for playing multiple leading roles in Scorsese films. Rothstein is approached by a group of Chicago mobsters who ask him to run the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas, controlled by the Mafia.
Based on a true story, the movie is filmed in two locations in Las Vegas, featuring the Landmark Hotel as the exterior of the Tangiers, with the interior being set in the Riviera Casino.
Ocean’s 13 – The Bank Casino and Hotel
In its third instalment of the Ocean’s film franchise, Ocean 13 is set in the fictional ‘Bank Casino and Hotel’, which is named after the film’s villain, Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino. The main characters in the film purchase the hotel and fraudulently rig it, so that they are guaranteed to win when gambling.
The casino was set in various locations in Los Angeles, utilising offices in the city and incorporating elaborate sets, to bring the casino to life. Though you can’t visit the Bank Casino, since it does not exist, in Ocean’s Eleven, a predecessor to the film, the characters rob the Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand casinos. Fortunately, these are all real casinos, which you can actually go and visit in Las Vegas.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
