Connect with us

Entertainment

The Best Movies About Casinos of All Time

mm

Published

on

When you consider just how long we have been enjoying gambling as a pastime, it is no wonder that it featured in other parts of our lives too. One place where we see various casinos and gambling scenes features is the movie industry, where films often feature casinos heavily in their storyline. Places like Monte Carlo and Las Vegas are full of glitz and glamour alongside the opportunity to gamble so it stands to reason that filmmakers are going to take advantage of this where possible. Fans of these movies can get a taste of the real thing at the best online casinos but for those that want to watch others having fun at casinos, there are plenty of films for them to choose from.

Ocean’s Eleven – Packed Full of Action

There are several fast-paced casino-based films that will be angling to be first on the list of casino movies, but Oceans’ Eleven definitely deserves that place. It’s arguably one of the most well-known casino movies of all time. Based in Las Vegas it has an all-star line-up including Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and George Clooney who get together to arrange a multi-casino heist.

Atlantic City – A Classic

Atlantic City is one of those films that will make the history books, it’s a real classic. Atlantic City is based on a time when gambling was illegal on the East Coast and follows the journey of how the city became one of the most popular gambling cities in the country. Featuring Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon, it’s a proper classic that should be added to the must-watch list of anyone that hasn’t already seen it.

Croupier – Life Story

This 1999 film is a little different to the others because it follows the life of a writer that becomes a croupier whilst his writing career takes off. It follows his journey of delving deeper into the casino industry and the web of lies and deceit he quickly becomes entangled in.

Let It Ride – One For Comedy Lovers

You can’t put together a list of films about betting without mentioning the 1989 hit Let it Ride. This comedy film features Richard Dreyfuss who places a taxi driver getting involved in horse racing after he stumbles across a betting tip. His luck seems to run & run as the film follows his journey of placing several bets – if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s most definitely one you check out.

Molly’s Game – A Real-Life Story

If you’re into real-life movies then Molly’s Game is one worth checking out. It follows the life of Molly Bloom; an Olympic skier who takes a different route following an injury that meant she could no longer compete. Instead, she enters the black market world of gambling and very quickly gets involved with the wrong people.

The Gambler – One of the Best

Mark Wahlberg plays the main character in this 2014 movie and we see him get too involved in the world of Blackjack and gambling. He finds himself in a significant amount of gambling debt and we watch as he does his best to navigate out of a tricky situation.

Casino – A 1995 Classic

Of course, any list of casino films has to finish with Casino – a 1995 classic directed by Martin Scorsese. With Robert De Niro taking on the lead role, the film is a great combination of casino scenes and mafia lifestyle – of course, all set in Las Vegas.

The Link Between Gambling and Movies

Visiting a casino has always been seen as a night out that involves a little glitz and glamour. 

Gamblers generally relished the opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a few bets at a casino, especially in places like Las Vegas where the chance to do so is 24/7. Although every casino will give a different experience they generally look after their clientele with free glasses of fizz and canapés to nibble, which only adds to the experience of luxury people feel when they decide to take part.

With just glitz and glamour always comes a little drama and that is where movies have really hooked on to this and used it as part of their storylines. Of course, the fact that large sums of money can be involved also helps – as people bet to try and win. When you have this amount of money involved there are always going to be people that feel they can cheat the system and improve their chances of winning – and that is always going to make for an exciting storyline. Money talks and storylines involving those that want the opportunity to win more of it, or at least win back what they have lost have long been incorporated into Hollywood and that’s a trend that is likely to continue.

Whether you place a bet at a casino, you’re spinning the reels of an online slot machine or you’re betting on the outcome of a sporting event it is the thrill of the chase that excites you. Of course, everyone wants to be a winner but it is the build-up as the game takes place that really gets your blood pumping – and movies are much the same. Yes, we love the ending of a movie but it is watching it unfold that we really enjoy; as we wait excitedly to see what is going to happen.

The casino industry is no stranger to this either and that is why you’ll often see slot machines and online games that are based on movies or at least well-known characters. The industry recognises that movies and betting are easily linked and they’re things that people often enjoy; so linking them together just makes sense.

2023 is set to be a big year for movies, as the world of Hollywood gets back to normal. There will be many film lovers that will simply be waiting to see whether any casino movies are going to be at the cinema any time soon!

From television to the internet platform, Jonathan switched his journey in digital media with Bigtime Daily. He served as a journalist for popular news channels and currently contributes his experience for Bigtime Daily by writing about the tech domain.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’

mm

Published

on

Photo courtesy of Lartist Yan 

By Mj Toledo 

US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.

Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?

Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.

The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions. 

But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great. 

Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?

Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.

When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.

We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.

Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?

Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.

Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers? 

Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel. 

When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.

For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.

Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?

Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.

Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.

Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?

Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.

When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.

Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.

Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?

Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there. 

Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.

Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?

Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.

Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style. 

Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?

Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.

My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.

Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change. 

To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media. 

The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.

For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US  artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan. 

Continue Reading

Trending