Selected Hollywood films that may
be used as means for preventing gambling

 

Abstract

This article examines how Hollywood films depict gambling and the messages these portrayals convey. Ten representative films were reviewed to identify gambling methods, narrative framing, and implicit attitudes toward risk, skill, and addiction. Findings indicate that films fall into three primary categories: (1) cautionary portrayals highlighting addiction, debt, and personal or social consequences; (2) glamorized or stylized depictions emphasizing skill, charisma, or high-stakes excitement; and (3) metaphorical or mixed portrayals combining agency with potential harm. Positive messages include awareness of predatory practices, the real dangers of compulsive gambling, and the limits of skill-based immunity, while negative messages involve glamorization, overestimation of control, and the “one big win” myth. The study suggests that, when used thoughtfully, Hollywood films can serve as educational tools to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and discussions about responsible gambling, particularly among youth.

 

Hollywood films that depict gambling

 

Film	Director	Year	Gambling method (synopsis)	Attitude portrayed
Rounders	John Dahl	1998	Underground Texas hold ’em; a gifted player covers a friend’s debt; high-stakes risk.	Mostly unhealthy (addiction, debts, crime)
Casino	Martin Scorsese	1995	Mob-linked Las Vegas casino operations: skimming, rigging odds, exploitation.	Unhealthy (corruption, exploitation, violence)
The Cincinnati Kid	Norman Jewison	1965	Depression-era stud poker; young upstart challenges the best in final hand.	Cautionary (hubris, fixation on big game)
21	Robert Luketic	2008	MIT team beats blackjack with card-counting; glamor then fallout.	Mixed → unhealthy (glamour turns harmful)
Uncut Gems	Josh & Benny Safdie	2019	Compulsive sports-betting jeweler; escalating parlay risks and debts.	Unhealthy (compulsion, escalating harm)
Molly’s Game	Aaron Sorkin	2017	True story of underground poker empire; legal and ethical fallout.	Mixed (agency vs. addiction/legal peril)
The Gambler	Karel Reisz	1974	Professor’s gambling addiction spirals into loans and danger.	Unhealthy (addiction portrait)
Casino Royale	Martin Campbell	2006	Bond tries to bankrupt terrorist in poker tournament.	Stylized/neutral-positive (glamourized play)
Maverick	Richard Donner	1994	Cardsharp hustles entry to major draw tournament; comedic tone.	Light positive (romanticized cleverness)
The Hustler	Robert Rossen	1961	Pool hustling for money; ego and exploitation lead to costs.	Cautionary (self-destruction, moral cost)

 

Positive vs. Negative Messaging

Positive / helpful messages (educational potential):

Gambling can be predatory and rigged (Casino), prompting critical thinking about “easy money.”

Addiction is real and ruinous (Uncut Gems, The Gambler), highlighting the importance of boundaries and help-seeking.

Skill ≠ immunity (Rounders, The Hustler), emphasizing that even talented players can face consequences.

 

Negative / harmful messages (subconscious glamorization):

Glamour + high stakes = status (Casino Royale, Maverick), which may normalize risky behavior.

Math “beats the system” (21), potentially overstating probability success and downplaying consequences.

The “one big game” myth (The Cincinnati Kid), suggesting a single win can solve all problems.

 

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Attitudes in Films

Healthy / neutral-positive framing: Maverick, Casino Royale, parts of 21.

Cautionary / unhealthy framing: Casino, Rounders, The Gambler, Uncut Gems, The Hustler, The Cincinnati Kid, later parts of 21.

 

Hollywood’s Contribution to Fighting Gambling Harm

Hollywood can indirectly help in gambling harm prevention:

Visualization of addiction and risk: Cautionary films like The Gambler and Uncut Gems show the spiral of debt, compulsion, and personal harm.

Media literacy lessons: Films like 21 show glamour turning into consequences, helping viewers critically analyze cinematic portrayals.

Historical/systemic context: Casino demonstrates structural exploitation, helping youth understand house advantage and mob influence.

Balanced discussion starter: Even stylized films (Maverick, Casino Royale) can serve as springboards for discussions on probability, self-control, and ethical decision-making.

 

Conclusion

Used thoughtfully in classrooms or workshops, Hollywood films can enhance awareness of gambling risks, foster media literacy, and encourage discussion about responsible behavior among youth.

 

References

Campbell, M. (Director). (2006). Casino Royale [Film]. Eon/Columbia Pictures.

Dahl, J. (Director). (1998). Rounders [Film]. Miramax.

Ebert, R. (1995, Nov 22). Casino movie review. RogerEbert.com.

Jewison, N. (Director). (1965). The Cincinnati Kid [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Luketic, R. (Director). (2008). 21 [Film]. Columbia Pictures.

Reisz, K. (Director). (1974). The Gambler [Film]. Paramount Pictures.

Rossen, R. (Director). (1961). The Hustler [Film]. 20th Century Fox.

Safdie, J., & Safdie, B. (Directors). (2019). Uncut Gems [Film]. A24.

Scorsese, M. (Director). (1995). Casino [Film]. Universal Pictures.

Sorkin, A. (Director). (2017). Molly’s Game [Film]. STXfilms.

Donner, R. (Director). (1994). Maverick [Film]. Warner Bros.

 

Note

This article was authored by the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association as part of the Erasmus+ project “Reverse the Odds” (Project No. 2024-3-DE04-KA210-YOU-000280177) that aims to prevent gambling among the youth.

 

Disclaim

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.