5 Must-Watch Documentaries About Gambling

Sep 8, 2023 | Articles, Gambling

Gambling is a popular activity enjoyed by millions of people around the globe. From the excitement of land-based casinos to competitive online poker, this industry worth billions is now more accessible than ever. While some may view this entertainment direction negatively, there is no doubt it has a significant role in people’s lives, often seen in movies, songs, and even documentaries.

These films throw a look into real-life experiences, including stories of addiction and challenges faced by different individuals. They offer a glimpse into both the negative and positive aspects of gambling, providing a balanced perspective on the topic.

With a plethora of gambling documentaries available, we’re here to highlight some of the top options to explore on this page. So, let’s have a look.

 

The Player: Secrets Of A Vegas Whale

“Secrets of a Vegas Whale” offers an in-depth glimpse into the world of casino gambling through the story of Don Johnson, a renowned player who managed to amass massive winnings from top casinos within a short timeframe.

This documentary presents Johnson’s intriguing journey as he took on three prominent casinos and ended up victorious by employing a combination of strategic betting approaches and customer promotions.

While luck certainly plays a role in casino gambling, whether it’s at brick-and-mortar venues or leading online casinos like Goldenbet, Johnson’s success was underpinned by a well-thought-out game plan that caught the casinos off guard. The film provides an insightful examination of the casinos’ and dealers’ missteps that inadvertently contributed to Johnson’s impressive winnings throughout his gambling endeavours.

Notably, Borgata, Caesars, and Tropicana all fell victim to his winning strategies, prompting these casinos to reevaluate their approaches when dealing with high-stakes players like Johnson.

Inside The Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure Documentary Film

One of the most popular and deep documentaries you can enjoy is undoubtedly “Inside the Edge.” This film features highly professional blackjack players challenging casinos for millions while dodging both casino surveillance and local law enforcement.

Filmmaker Chris Buddy chronicles the journey of KC, a seasoned blackjack player, as he wraps up his career by travelling across casinos in the United States.

With extensive footage and interviews, Buddy unveils the enigmatic world of professional gambling and uncovers the secrets behind achieving success while making substantial casino winnings.

Viewers gain insights into the challenging nature of gambling yet also learn about formulas that can lead to significant wins. Overall, it’s an outstanding documentary worth watching.

Frontline: The Fantasy Sports Gamble

Considered a highly progressive gambling documentary, “Fantasy Sports Gamble” has gained critical acclaim in recent times. Collaborating with The New York Times and PBS, the documentary offers a compelling exploration of DraftKings and FanDuel. These two prominent names in the fantasy sports betting space go through the complexities of making profits in states where sports betting and gambling are prohibited.

The documentary uncovers the intriguing strategy employed by these giants to thrive in such an environment. It becomes evident that the unregulated nature of the fantasy sports market categorized it as entertainment rather than gambling. This distinction allowed DraftKings and FanDuel to avoid hefty gambling taxes and license fees and ultimately led to substantial profits. For a comprehensive understanding of this intriguing narrative, watching “Fantasy Sports Gamble” is a must.

Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker

At the heart of this narrative are two poker players,  Dusty Schmidt and Michael Korpi. Michael, once a gifted musician, athlete, and exceptional student, saw his life take a turbulent turn due to his fascination with poker. On the other hand, Dusty Schmidt, a thriving golfer with a promising future, faced an abrupt end to his golfing career at the age of 23 due to a heart attack. His path into online poker led him to become the top-ranked poker player, accumulating a huge fortune of over $4 million.

The documentary looks through the thrilling journeys of these two individuals and offers insights into the remarkable ascent of poker. From its explosive growth in 2003 to the significant event of Black Friday on April 15th, 2011, the film provides a comprehensive view of the poker world’s evolution.

Louis Theroux: Gambling in Las Vegas

Louis Theroux, a well-known English journalist with a knack for delving into the most delicate subjects, has lent his name to numerous revealing documentaries. Among his impactful works, “Gambling in Las Vegas” stands out as a thought-provoking exploration.

In this documentary, Theroux engages with a diverse range of gamblers who have made Las Vegas their home, including a Doctor who tragically squandered over $4 million, much to the dismay of her son and his lost inheritance. A significant highlight of the film is when casino employees provide insights into their tactics for keeping players engaged and entertained in their pursuit of the elusive jackpot.

Throughout, “Gambling in Las Vegas” underscores the stark reality that gambling addiction can affect anyone. The documentary serves as a sharp and detailed examination of the world of casinos, shedding light on its darker dimensions and the potential for its alluring nature to lead to destructive consequences.

To Sum Up

As you can see, films about casinos and the iGaming industry are not necessarily about gambling promotion and encouragement. Instead, watching these documentaries can help viewers better grasp all the nuances and complexities of sports betting and casino gambling. They perfectly show that it’s not just luck but also requires skill, research, and discipline.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

Thomas B.