Are you hunting for fantastic movies based on real-life gamblers? Casino and gambling documentaries will be the best picks. Several production houses captured the journey of professional bettors in the industry known for their brilliant minds, massive victories, or major blowbacks.
These documentaries will give you an honest overview of seasoned gamblers. They are also an ideal learning source for newbies to kickstart their betting adventure risk-free.
Check out the top five recommendations about the real-life incidents of famous gamblers.
Inside the Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure – 2019
Featured Gambler: KC
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Run Time: 1 hr 12 mins
No blackjack fan can neglect this movie recommendation. Directed by Chris Buddy, this documentary is about pro blackjack player KC. Know how he traveled across various US casinos during his gambling career.
The extensive footage and interviews will give you a sneak peek into the clever tactics of professional blackjack players. Uncover the secrets behind gigantic wins on blackjack tables through the captivating storyline. There’s a reason several casinos banned KC.
Apart from KC’s astonishing gaming style, the movie took a fascinating twist. You’ll watch how casinos blatantly broke the laws to crack down on the pro gambler.
You’ll learn about card counting theory and tricks blackjack players used to gain the winning edge. Without promoting the elite gamblers’ lifestyle, the movie narrates the pitfalls of those involved in unethical gambling practices.
Gambling Addiction & Me: The Real Hustler – 2012
Featured Gambler: Alexis Conran
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Run Time: 57 mins
Add this documentary to your must-watch list if you’re a novice gambler.
Directed by Iain Scollay, it’s the story of semi-professional poker player Alexis Conran. The movie narrates how he coped with compulsive behaviors by taking lessons from the gambling addiction problem of his father.
Usually, the temptation of playing a few more sessions puts new gamblers into trouble. This documentary focuses on responsible betting practices, encouraging gamblers to play wisely. The director did a superb job of portraying betting realistically.
Drawing Dead: The Highs and Lows of Online Poker
Featured Gambler: Michael Korpi Jr. and Dusty Schmidt
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
Run Time: 1 hr 16 mins
Take a glimpse into the journey of two rising and young poker gamblers. Drawing Dead is one of the best gambling documentaries for new poker enthusiasts. As the title indicates, Director Mike Weeks depicts the two sides of online gambling through this tragic movie.
As the events unfold, you’ll see how the favorite pastime will turn into a miserable choice for Michael Korpi Jr. and Dusty Schmidt. While the former was a successful golfer, the latter was an outstanding student, musician, and athlete. However, both destroyed their present and future with unhealthy, obsessive betting habits.
With a fortune of over $4 million, Schmidt was one of the top-ranking poker professionals. Sadly, he died at the age of 23 due to a heart attack.
The narrative focuses on gambling addiction problems faced by these pro poker players.
The Best of It – 2016
Featured Gamblers: Alan Dvorkis, Alan Denkenson, Lem Banker, and Ken Weitzner
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Run Time: 1 hr 58 mins
Director Scott Pearson Eberly shows the honest journey of four notable professional gamblers in this documentary.
The plot revolves around the wagering ups and downs experienced by Alan Denkenson, Lem Banker, Alan Dvorkis, and Ken Weitzner during the 2010 NCAA March Madness game. The movie narrates how these professionals achieved victories through luck and years of knowledge.
However, you’ll also get to know the other side of the gambling world. The movie shows that even professional punters can feel the burn of the unpredictable nature of sports betting. It also analyzes a fierce rivalry between the professionals.
So, take an unflinching look at the reality of sportsbook events.
30 for 30: The Legend of Jimmy the Greek – 2009
Featured Gambler: James George Snyder
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Run Time: 51 mins
This documentary provides an honest look into the world of sports commentator and Las Vegas bookie James Snyder. Also known as Jimmy the Greek, he had a notable career of 12 years as a commentator on The NFL Today.
The movie covers controversial aspects of the famous NFL Pre-Game Show personality. Besides, it narrates how Sydner played an integral part in legalizing NFL betting in the USA. Using his years of NFL prediction expertise, Snyder left a mark in the sports betting segment.
On the flip side, the movie covers the harsh realities of betting. The greed element can harm vulnerable bettors as they’ll wager more than they can afford to lose.
Part of the ESPN 30 for 30 series, this film also features commentary from sportscasters Brent Musburger, Phyllis George, and Irv Cross. So, do add this documentary to your weekend watchlist.
FAQs
- What is the name of the documentary on Billy Walters?
60 Minutes Sports Betting: Billy Walters explores the private life of the greatest gambler ever. This 2011 interview with Lara Logan reveals the 30 years of his unprecedented success through betting activities.
- Are there any billionaire gamblers?
Australian gambler Ed Craven, aka. Eddieamassed significant wealth with high-stake gambling. The billionaire also invested in online gambling businesses. Bill Benter and Phil Ivey are also prominent names who earned billions with betting.
- Do most gamblers go broke?
Usually, financial losses happen due to problem gambling habits among players. Some compulsive gamblers can even file for bankruptcy in some extreme cases.
- What are the best gambling documentaries on Netflix?
Betting on Zero, All In: The Poker Movie, Inside the Edge, and The Great Hack are the best gambling documentaries on Netflix.
Final Words
Do the above storylines sound interesting? Then, wait no more! This weekend, play one of these documentaries to discover the life of the world-famous gamblers. Moreover, these films highlight the risk factors for addictive and unsafe gambling habits. You’ll understand the psychological impact of betting obsession and learn to wager wisely.
So, enjoy a movie night while learning from the real experiences of seasoned players.
