The best gambling moments in British movies and TV shows
Gambling and casino themes and scenes in movies and TV shows have always been popular among viewers. From the classic James Bond series to the more recent Ocean's Eleven, they can provide an exciting, thrilling backdrop for some of the most intense moments on screen. But why are people so drawn to these types of scenes?
One possible explanation is that gambling and casinos offer a sense of glamour and luxury that many viewers find appealing. Whether it's watching someone pull off an elaborate heist or just enjoy their time at a high-end casino, viewers are often captivated by these settings and storylines.
Another reason could be that gambling offers a sense of mystery and suspense - something that many people find intriguing. With its combination of luck, skill, strategy and risk-taking, gambling provides plenty of opportunities for unexpected twists and turns in the story which keep viewers on their toes.
There's also the relatability of placing a bet: who hasn't at least bought a National Lottery ticket? It's not all card games and roulette, and dozens of classic sitcoms have down-to-earth characters enjoying a flutter on the horses.
Finally, there is also the appeal of money, something that's attractive to just about everyone! Gambling can offer huge payouts if done right - providing a great incentive for characters as well as viewers alike. If you are intrigued by the concept of casinos and the chances of perhaps winning some money online, only play at sites or local casinos reviewed, approved, and trusted by GamblingAuthority.
Let's have a look at some iconic, comic gambling scenes in British film and television..
Del Boy plays poker with Boycie
Only Fools And Horses is one of Britain's best-loved sitcoms, originally airing on BBC One from 1981 to 1991, with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003. Written by John Sullivan, it follows the lives of brothers Del and Rodney as they attempt to get rich in Peckham, alongside their beloved but irritating family members Grandad and Uncle Albert.
We have to go back to Series 2 Episode 3, A Losing Streak for the best gambling scene, which occurs in their flat, high up in Nelson Mandela House. Del was playing poker with second-hand car dealer Boycie, a notoriously slick operator. He was losing the game and decided to bet everything they owned in the flat. He did that with only two pairs in his hand. Fortunately for them, those were two pairs of aces. Of course, with Del Boy being Del Boy, everything was not exactly ethical - but then it certainly wasn't on Boycie's part, either!
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is a spy film and the twenty-first entry in the James Bond series. Directed by Martin Campbell, it is also the first film to star Daniel Craig as the fictional MI6 agent created by Ian Fleming. Released on 14th November 2006 in Britain, the movie's plot follows Bond as he plays a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale in Montenegro to stop Le Chiffre, a banker to terrorist organisations worldwide, from winning a large sum of money. It also stars Eva Green as Vesper Lynd, Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, Judi Dench as M and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter.
In fact, the whole film is basically one hell of a gambling scene, and like every Bond film it's packed with offbeat humour. You can watch James acting as cool as a cucumber during one of the famous poker scenes here.
Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrells
Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The story follows four Londoners who get caught up in a complicated web of organised crime after they unknowingly take part in a card game with high stakes.
The film became an instant cult classic, known for its unique visual style combining traditional elements of British gangster films with those of the American heist genre. It also features some of the most memorable characters in crime cinema, such as "Bacon" (played by Jason Statham) and "Big Chris" (played by Vinnie Jones). The movie has been praised for its witty dialogue and clever plot twists that keep viewers guessing until the very end and the card scene at the boxing gym is definitely one of the most tense in the the whole film.
Dr. No: the blackjack scene
Dr. No is a 1962 spy film starring Sean Connery as the James Bond. Based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Ian Fleming, it is the very first Bond film.
Coming right at the start of the movie, this scene is perfectly executed and it is epic because it is the first time we are introduced to 007 on screen. We meet James Bond while he is playing blackjack in a luxurious casino that simply oozes with glamour and sophistication.
The film sees sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent; however, he finds his way to the underground base of Dr. Julius No, who is plotting to disrupt an early American space launch with a radio beam weapon from his island base.