16 Best Gambling Movies Bracketology Style

Posted on by Todd Fuhrman

There are certain debates that can’t be decided by our podcasts.  Last week, as part of our summer send off show, Payne and myself found ourselves in a spirited debate about the best gambling movies of all-time.  Naturally, the two of us couldn’t reach a consensus, so we figured what better way to settle the ultimate debate than deferring to you, our loyal listeners.

We combed through the annals of movie history, wracking our brains for countless hours compiling lists with the assistance of IMDB gambling movies to offer much-needed guidance for seeding purposes.  The result was a list of 24 gambling flicks we thought warranted inclusion for our user driven bracketology style format.  Unfortunately, there were eight movies that didn’t make the ‘movie dance field’, but are included for those looking to watch.

Without further adieu, here’s the official unveiling of our 16 best gambling movies bracket with seeding decisions sure to be somewhat contentious.  Over the next few weeks we’ll open up daily voting on every match-up, letting you decide what cinematic masterpiece moves onto the next round.  Be sure to follow @BetTheBoardPod in order to have your voice heard, as we try to crown a champion and bestow the honor of best gambling movie ever!

**NOTE: Films that used gambling as backdrops or had unique gambling scenes (Casino Royale, Rain Man, Ocean’s 11, The Hangover, Maverick, Vegas Vacation etc.) were not included.

Complete Results for Round of 16 Matchups

1) Casino       
16) High Roller – The Stu Ungar Story

8) The Gambler (1974)        
9) Cincinnati Kid

4) The Sting
13) Croupier

5) The Hustler
12) Color of Money

3) Let it Ride        
14) 21

6) Owning Mahowny        
11) The Cooler

7) Runner Runner        
10) Two for the Money

2) Rounders        
15) The Runner

Cinderella stories whose bubble burst before they were written; the proverbial movietology snubs below.

First Four Out:

Smart Money (1931); Poolhall Junkies; Hard Eight; Freeze Out.

Next Four Out:

Mr. Lucky; California Split; Mississippi Grind; Bookies.