Movies That Feature Roulette Games

Given that roulette is a popular game that permeates land-based and digital casinos worldwide. However, you might be scratching your head thinking about the times you witnessed a roulette game in a movie. While more movies feature blackjack, there's still no shortage of classic films that feature the legendary table-based game. 

Even though roulette has always been a popular casino game, it has been further strengthened by the eruption of the internet and smartphone availability, fuelling the rise of virtual casino gaming. Those are automated and use algorithms. Another option is the live dealer category, which is spread across various games and provides more human touch. However, the movies we included in this list are not about online casinos, but they mostly contain the traditional vibes of the gaming world.

Casablanca (1942)

The immortal Casablanca is a film that has stood the test of time. Despite first being released during World War 2, the acting, writing, and storyline quality have allowed the movie to age like a fine wine. Some films were released a decade ago that look more dated than Casablanca. Maybe not literally, but it is undoubtedly one of the greatest films ever made. 

As the plot is so rich and the acting is so enchanting, you would be forgiven for taking your eye off the fact that roulette features in this movie. Even though the film's primary setting is the bar and casino that the main character Rick Blaine has constructed so efficiently in the Moroccan city, the timeless tale of love and war has effortlessly stretched across generational boundaries. 

Still, it is one of the oldest mainstream Hollywood films that feature casino gaming.

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

It's beyond a reasonable doubt that the late Sean Connery is the quintessential depiction of Ian Fleming's fabled MI6 agent. James Bond's prowess at the gambling table is something that many of the actors who have played him have portrayed so smoothly. However, 007's usual choice of casino games tends to be blackjack, poker, or baccarat. 

Casino Royale depicted a nail-biting, high-stakes game of poker, and Connery's version of Bond was no stranger to the poker tables, either. Bond only operates at the high-roller tables, and maybe a future James Bond might take to the digital high-roller tables. However, that is unlikely - it would take the intensity out of some of the scenes (think about it).

Although Connery takes himself and his infinitely lucky charm to the craps table more famously in Diamonds Are Forever, you can see plenty of roulette tables and wheels spinning away in the background of the scenes where he's strolling through some of the most luxurious casinos in the world.

Indecent Proposal (1993)

In one of Demi Moore's finest roles, Indecent Proposal was one of the biggest hits of 1993. The film is set in the backdrop of the Nevada desert gambling paradise of Las Vegas, so yes, this film features its fair share of roulette table appearances. Although the game is not gambling-specific, it has an underlying casino and Vegas theme, so you are never too far away from the roulette tables.

Credit - https://pixabay.com/photos/roulette-gambling-game-bank-1253621/ 

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

We think it is fair to say that Steve McQueen is one of the Hollywood Gods. He is right up there with some of the biggest and best names that have ever graced the big screen. The Thomas Crown Affair is just one of his massive hits that have stood the test of time. 

Notoriously, the scene where he attempts to rob a bank by using a roulette ball as a smokescreen isn't quite a roulette game in a conventional sense. Still, it brings the table-based casino game into sharp focus and is an iconic scene.

The Bottom Line

Although some of these films were the crowning achievements of their day, you'd think that more films would feature roulette games. But, unfortunately, other than James Bond and movies set in Las Vegas, there aren't many films that feature roulette, despite its prominence on the casino floor. 

Other notable mentions include The Hangover and Casino (1995). However, it's relatively apparent that a film called Casino by Martin Scorsese contains its fair share of roulette scenes, so we decided to skip that one today and focus on some of the more unconventional choices. 

As casinos move online and the popularity of physical casinos has lost some of their monopolistic power, thanks to the rise of the internet, it could galvanize the appearance of casino games featured in films. It may even add more charisma and charm if land-based casinos begin to play second fiddle to online casinos, which is what they are doing currently.