Mirathor Quellith 
Introduction: A Retro Impact
Directors and actors at the time may not have known it, but the rise of gambling films in the ’80s ended up having a significant impact on the entire genre and how it was defined. The casino/gambling genre of cinema in the ‘80s focused on a delicate balance of glitz and glamour, as well as thrill and danger.
These casino films often highlighted the luxurious high-roller life as well as themes of greed, betrayal, and deception. This juxtaposition of the good, the bad, and the dangerous became one of the most notable factors of what made a casino film a classic.
Bettors who still crave the thrill of high stakes (without the danger) can find their fix at online casinos like OMG Casino, where they can find almost any type of casino game to satisfy their betting needs.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City centers around Sally Matthews, a young waitress who works at an oyster bar in Atlantic City. While she works at a bar, she dreams of becoming a blackjack dealer, training under her friend Joseph, who encourages her to follow her dream of working at a casino as a dealer.
Joseph urges Sally to learn French to accompany him when he travels back to France. Her plan involved moving to Monte Carlo with Joseph to fulfill her dreams and become a blackjack dealer.
At first, Sally’s plan isn’t as simple and doesn’t go smoothly when her estranged husband, Dave, and longtime neighbor (and former mobster) Lou, make their way into her life, getting her involved in the mobster business and the drug trade. Luckily for Sally, she finally achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a blackjack dealer in France after getting away from the dangerous life of a mobster for good.
The Gambler
The Gambler (also known as Kenny Rogers as The Gambler) focuses on Kenny Rogers as Brady Hawkes. Hawkes receives a letter from a son he never knew he had and his former lover, Eliza, asking for his help to escape his abusive stepfather, Rufe Bennett, the wealthy owner of a casino.
On Hawkes’ journey to find his son and former lover, he meets a young, ambitious poker player named Billy Montana. Billy Montana dreams of being a successful, professional poker player. Hawkes decides to follow and mentor Montana on his way to an international poker tournament held in San Francisco. Along the way, Hawkes helps Montana stay true to himself as an honest poker player instead of giving in to his urges to cheat his way to the top.
Harlem Nights
Harlem Nights tells the story of two casino owners, Sugar Ray and his adoptive son, Vernest “Quick” Brown. While the two operated successfully in Harlem with their “Club Sugar Ray,” they were always at risk, as gangster Bugsy Calhoun constantly threatened them and their business. Calhoune’s business was at risk due to Ray and Quick’s growing popularity, and he tried to get them shut down using dirty tactics.
Ray and Quick debated about leaving Harlem, as it was far too dangerous for them to continue operating there. They decide to pull off a grand heist against their competition before they up and leave Harlem for good. Ray and Quick use the means and connections they acquired during their time as casino owners to devise a plan of stealing $500,000 of Calhoun’s cash before fleeing out of Harlem, never to look back again.
Heat
Heat is an American neo-noir film that focuses on an ex-mercenary named Nick Escalante. Nick works in Las Vegas, offering his bodyguard services to those who need him for hire. While Nick finds his way around Vegas, making money from clients, it is only after Nick befriends Kinnick that he realizes that he cannot leave Vegas like he had been dreaming of due to his compulsive gambling habits.
Despite having a run-in with Vegas high roller, Danny DeMarco, Nick eventually bests him and earns enough money to move to Venice, as he had always wanted to, finally escaping the dangerous nightlife of a mercenary in Vegas.
Easy Money
Easy Money is a comedy film that tells the tale of Montgomery “Monty” Capuletti and his struggle to stay a committed family man despite all his vices. Monty is a heavy drinker and heavy smoker and loves to gamble. His mother-in-law, Mrs. Monahan, lives wealthily and looks down upon Monty’s lifestyle.
One day, after Mrs. Monahan suddenly passes away, Monty finds himself in a difficult position for himself and his family. Mrs. Monahan leaves Monty $10 million in her will with the stipulation that he give up all his vices, including gambling, for a whole year.
Despite his worries, Monty decides to take up the challenge as he wishes to provide for his family. Monty successfully reforms and rightfully earns $10 million from Mrs. Monahan, who reveals that she has been alive the whole time. Monty discovers that Mrs. Monahan has faked her death as part of a big scheme to force Monty to clean up his act and be the family man he was meant to be.
The Color Of Money
The Color of Money focuses on a former professional pool player named “Fast Eddie” Felson and his partnership with Vincent, a fast-rising newcomer to the game of pool. The Color of Money centers on sports betting and the money Eddie and Vincent earn by hustling against naive, less skilled pool players.
While Eddie has experience in hustling money in pool games, Vincent must curb his ego to make successful deals instead of scaring off potential competitors. The pair goes to Atlantic City for a big tournament, where they face off against each other, and Vincent wins. Nick and his girlfriend, Carmen, reveal that they intentionally lost the match and give Vincent his share of the winnings.
God Of Gamblers
God of Gamblers is a 1989 Hong Kong action comedy film that tells the story of Ko Chun, a legendary gambler who earned the title “God of Gamblers.” Ko Chun, his girlfriend Janet, his assistant Ko Yee, and his bodyguard Dragon all travel to face off against the “Demon of Gamblers,” Chan Kam-sing.
Along the way, Chun loses his memory. Chun is then lost, not knowing who he is but still retaining his skill in gambling. Chun is then aided by Knife, who then exploits Chun’s talent by taking him to local poker games to win money.
In the end, Chun regains his memories and triumphs over the “Demon of Gamblers” with his newfound friendship with Knife.
Conclusion
The 1980s had a major impact on the gambling and casino film genre for good reason. This era of gambling films started the trend of blending a perfect mix of thrill and danger, solidifying the entire genre for years to come.
