The more you learn about casino games, the more intriguing and attractive they become. There have been numerous movies based on casinos and gambling. From high-stakes poker games to Vegas casinos, the public is undoubtedly fascinated by the subject and flocks to movie theatres to view them. The scenario where a gambler wins all then loses everything has long been Hollywood and literary fodder. Such movies tend to embellish, exaggerate and romanticize the gambler’s lifestyle, distorting reality.
Documentary-style films provide an entertaining and informative experience for gamblers. In addition, they provide a more realistic scenario of an industry that’s been growing steadily since online casinos and gambling became popular in the early 2000s. The examples below delve into the joys and sorrows that come with gambling. You’ll meet the high rollers, the professionals, the mathematicians, and amateurs, providing a rare glimpse into the life of a gambler.
1. Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker
The story centers around two poker players Michael Korpi Jr. and Dusty Schmidt. Michael was a talented musician, athlete, and outstanding student whose life was shattered by his appetite for poker, while Dusty Schmidt was a successful golfer with everything going for him. His golfing career was unfortunately cut short by a heart attack at 23. He turned his attention to online poker, becoming the number one poker player and amassing a fortune of over $4 million. The documentary sheds light on the meteoritic rise of poker from its 2003 boom to Black Friday 15th April 2011.
2. The Player: Secrets of a Vegas Whale
Don Johnson takes viewers on an intimate journey narrating his adventures in Vegas in an entertaining manner. Johnson is a leading player who once famously became $15 million richer in one night. The documentary follows him as he beats three Vegas casinos and explains his winning strategies. He demonstrates how you need a little luck; however, his smart gambling strategy dominates his game plan.
3. Let It Ride
Let It Ride is a remarkable 1989 comedy directed by Joe Pytka. Although not strictly a documentary, Pytka’s directorial debut relays actual events with a screenplay by Nancy Dowd that is based on the novel Good Vibes released in 1979 by Jay Cronley. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss in the lead role of Trotter, a taxi driver who goes on the winning streak of his life after receiving a hot tip. Trotter spends most of his time at a horse racing track, irritating his estranged wife, Pam. But, after promising his wife to quit gambling, Trotter plays the horses the next day and wins $700 on the first race. That’s the start of an incredible winning streak that sees him becoming an unlikely ladies man due to his newfound fortune. In addition, there’s an exciting casino game based on the movie. Let it Ride, which you can play at kasino sites.
4. Frontline: The Fantasy Sports Gamble
Frontline is a New York Times and PBS documentary collaboration that’s highly regarded and is considered forward-thinking concerning the gambling industry. It focuses on the FanDuel and DraftKings sites that both facilitate fantasy sports betting. The open book documentary details how such sites make money and operate. While gambling is prohibited in many parts of the USA, Fantasy sports have been becoming more prevalent. Since they are classed as entertainment, it’s perfectly legal. Being unregulated, Fantasy Sports is a massive business since no gambling taxes or licensing fees are necessary.
5. Best Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker
Best Raise Fold documents the rise and alleged decline of online poker. Starting in the early 2000s, it transportes you through to the catastrophic Black Friday in April 2015. It’s a fascinating historical account of the game, and Bet Raise Fold details the lives of three diametrically different personalities. Their exciting real-life stories will help prospective gamblers understand the pitfalls and glamorous wins while assisting people in understanding the implications of Black Friday better.
