How is pop culture’s representation of gambling?

November 8, 2022 World iGaming & Gambling

Although the popularity of gambling has increased in recent years, the practice itself has always been fraught with controversy. It’s not hard to see why gambling has captured the attention of so many people all across the globe. Gambling has a distinct vibe about it. Undoubtedly, there has been a sea shift in how gambling is portrayed, even in the last few years. Here is how pop culture has shaped people’s current perception of gambling through its representation in modern media.

Gambling in movies

Writers have always been fascinated by the world of gambling, and its portrayal in movies has undergone a sea change in the last few decades. Many award-winning films about gambling have been released throughout the years and it is showing no signs of slowing down as more marvelous and apparently genuine stories about gambling have surfaced in recent years. These tales have become massive box-office successes all across the globe. Just a few examples of these films are Casino (1996), Casino Royale (2006), The Gambler (1974), and Rain Man (1988).

Most viewers want to try their luck at winning the big prize after being inspired by the tales they witness on the big screen. It’s due in no little part to the glamorous portrayal of casinos in Hollywood blockbusters.

Gambling in music

There are a lot of fantastic songs out there, and they represent a wide range of emotions and perspectives on gambling. Some of them talk about the highs and the upbeat lifestyle in the casinos, while some take a darker route and associate sadness and heartbreak with losing a bet. Some of these songs include Frank Sinatra’s “Luck Be A Lady,” “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead, “Casino Boogie” by the Rolling Stones, “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley, “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, and “Deuces Are Wild” by Aerosmith.

Most gambling-themed songs have faded into obscurity, with the most well-known ones now being considered classics. There are still, however, a few ones released in recent years that turned into worldwide hits like Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” and Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas.”

Gambling in TV shows

On more than one occasion, well-known TV series have used casinos as a plot element. In the popular sitcom “Friends,” there was one episode where they all went to Las Vegas, where Ross and Rachel got married while they were drunk. In the Simpsons, Homer takes Ned to Las Vegas to teach him “the correct way to live.”

Some viewers may be surprised to learn that many television series have focused on casinos and gambling. Famous examples include the early 2000s’ “Las Vegas,” which centered on a former CIA operative and casino boss portrayed by actor James Caan, and the 2010s’ “The Casino,” a reality TV series that gave viewers a glimpse inside the inner workings of a casino.

Celebrity endorsements

Popular culture figures’ prior endorsements of internet casinos helped bring in a large number of new consumers. In fact, a lot of well-known celebrities have either forged partnerships or advertised casinos and online gambling services to entice new players. Some of these famous personalities include Cristiano Ronaldo, Conor McGregor, Nicki Minaj, Paris Hilton, and Mike Tyson. Aside from celebrity endorsements, a lot of celebrities are also open to being high rollers in the casinos, like Drake, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney.