There’s an undeniable thrill in watching gambling in films. It usually carries the high-tension drama of a scene, or allows for a gut-busting comedy of errors. But best of all, you don’t have to worry at all about losing.
Gambling has become more accessible with online sportsbooks, meaning people don’t have to travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to partake, let alone leave their couch. Still, it’s not as risk-free or stylized as gambling vicariously through cinema. There have been entire films dedicated to gambling (see: Rounders) and memorable moments that have taken place at the casino. It’s a trope that continues to remain relevant in pop culture (most recently we got the unforgettable “HELLO-O-O” slot machine scene in the new season of Twin Peaks). Below, we’ve compiled nine of the most iconic gambling scenes, and ranked them. There can only be one winner.