Page 8 - Jackpot Magazine South ~ July, 2025

PLAY TO WIN PLAY TO WIN
Best to mind your manners when playing craps Top 10 casino movies a winning bet for film fans
y players believe in their lucky charms
“Were you raised in a barn?” should avoid doing
they made.
y lucky charWmsit,hbusutmI bmeelirevmeovigeoseesason.wMellaunnydeprewoapyl,e ~ Common idiom, probably wh
taTpa,ntgaipe.r.s. Cpraessisnoth, eledspbiny Sam “Ace” Rothstein To Win Again
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.” Jackpot! looks at thesatoypthceaysinuosemthoeviriesluockfy —ActoraCllhrtismtoepr.higeCirnaWsaitnainlokgenfifrlomsnuahmaSvboeuertshloefnrongrmceaovptehrtiyevtrahtiendgc,raps. Scoblete calls
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audiences with their high-stakes drama, glitzythe includingplayingroulette
settIings,haondorcomofpleMxcohtharearc’stersD.FayromthhiseistsManners.” ve a lucky charm you keep and craps. And, 90% of
tmoopnotkhe,rwsehaorwedgowings,tothfeoyllobwlenMd otthheert’hsrill of gambling with n play in the casino? What those surveyed believe in their instincts —
est of... Series
Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond film’s underground casino vibe fascinates,
Americans (68% of those brings them luck. Patricia S., an avid slot it whenever he plays roulette and or the
for Jackpot! that his mother always whole shebang. annoy the other players. If your dice
Joe Pesci’s volatile NthicekyprSoapnetrorordeelervaotef While Kay was slow to
cinematic artistry. Here’s our list of the top 10 casino movies,
this gritty tale. Criticpsanyoutetsd.Nitosnaemedbtiotioausks admit it, she realized her
storytelling, and thougwhhitesnbyoxu oafrfiecgeoiwnagstmo goedtepstaicdo.mTphaeryedwitlol luck through a ritual of tapping right before
numbers Myoanunererlsy. Nonotfoorur bomthotghoeord, abnudtbatdhehunche•s.DSo,nifotyowuhfieneel anpdremssoinang tahbeosuptinyoburttong.et to you.
ranked by global box office receipts (inflation adjusted), with 6. Molly’s Game (2017) - Box Office: $77.6 million ($59.3
er casinomgoameos?f AganmdinhgowenththuastiabsltacaknjdackJatcakbpleoti!s thleosrisgehs.t oOnethfeor ypolua,yers dAotn’thereraolluyletctaerewheel, we talked with
critical acclaim data from Rotten Tomatoes. Get ready to hit the million in 2017) - Critical Acclaim: 82% Rotten Tomatoes
bits — succohluams wneiastrinFg ryaonukr Sycoub’rletne.ot Salconbelewteh,en yifouyoputwdionwonryolousre. TGheeoyrgaereUi.ntHerestweads playi•ngTakevasroiemtye ocaf re with throwing the
jackpot with these cinematic gems. Lights, camera, action! Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom,
who runs high-
f underwaueatrhobreofofreI sAitmtinag Diche iCpso.ntroller: Inside in their own bets, nontuymobuerrss. Nbuot sailnwgalyes indicthe.e Pmlaiyxerws aws htohsee dice constantly land 1. Casino Royale (2006) - Box Office: $980.2 million ($616 stakes poker games for elites. Aaron Sorkin’s sharp script and
avorite slothtemWacohrilnde?of Advantage-WPleaayskCerdapasf!ewanpdlayeprslaybeoruitsttheeircleunctkeyr ofntuhme bcerarp1s8u.nWivheresne;askiend,thGeedoregaelerssa’idch1i8p piles, often knocking
million in 2006) - Critical Acclaim: 94% Rotten Tomatoes Chastain’s Oscar-nominated performance earned praise. The
ago, a survey revealed that days, lucky charms and anything else that had always been his lucky number. He bets
several other books, wrote in a column even the shooter is merely a part of the these over, can delay the game and
others, its cult status endures.
redefined 007 in this gritty reboot. anditssolidboxofficeandcriticalnods
eve in luck, whether it is player, knows of those who bring little lottery. He said he is thrilled if he gets a
believed in proper manners. tend to fly off the table then you must
The high-stakes poker game at Casino make it a must-watch for avid poker
k (as agreed on by 58%), trinkets to place around their slot machine room that has 18 in the number. He told
He said his mother wanted him to • Do not slap the shooter on the back or slow down the speed of your throw. You
Royale in Montenegro is the film’s pulse, fans.
enny for good luck (44%), while playing. However, she said she doesn’t us about one time he was staying at a casino
be respectful of others’ feelings and to yell up into his nose so he smells your beer can also injure other players if a die or pitting Bond against terrorist financier 7. Uncut Gems (2019) - Box Office:
ucky number (38%), keeping like to be that showy. Instead, she keeps a hotel on either the sixth or seventh floor
keep his mouth shut if he didn’t have and garlic breath. If he is having a good both dice whack them in the face.
Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Critics $62,739,334 ($50 million in 2019) -
(38%), and letting a ladybug small stuffed animal in her purse that only — he couldn’t remember which one, but
something decent to say. Of course, roll and you are making money, you can
praised Craig’s intense performance and Critical Acclaim: 91% Rotten Tomatoes
or good luck (28%). As for she knows about. Whether the stuffed toy he knew the room number had an 18 in it.
his mother didn’t think he should just clap if he hits a number you’re on. Respect • Do not give instruction in the game to the film’s departure from Bond clichés, Adam Sandler shines as Howard
most of those surveyed said really brings her luck or not, Patricia is And on his second day of casino play, he hit
roll over if someone was nasty to him, the body area of the shooter. other players. Do not tell them how to bet
making it the highest-grossing casino
Ratner, a gambling-addicted jeweler
ome sort of jewelry as their unsure. She does feel since she has kept this
a big jackpot. That sealed number 18 for
but he really shouldn’t be the “bore
or how much to bet. If a new player enters
movie and a critical darling.
in this anxiety-fueled thriller. The casino
hile others said underwear, tradition up for so long, the prudent thing
him permanently.
in the room” without strong
• Do not the game and asks for advice tell him to ask showdowns amplify the stakes of his risky bets. Critics raved
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) - Box Office: $816.8 million s and even socks were lucky for her would be to continue it.
My father, an avid blackjack and video
provocation.
slam your the dealers.
about Sandler’s dramatic turn and the Safdie brothers’ frenetic
($450.7 million in 2001) - Critical Acclaim: 83% Rotten Tomatoes
StceovbelnetSeodceornbteirnguhe’sds,ty“liIs’hveheist flick follows Danny Ocean go players wears her lucky socks when
direcftiisotn.dIotws nlowoenr box office still packs a punch for an indie numbers or rituals when he played. But, on
backdropdazzles.Criticslaudeditsslickpacingandcleverscript,
in 19o9r8) m- CorainticaloAr ccluanimti:l 6th5%e cRreowttecnanToclmeaantooefsf the table. be bring me some luck. After spinning the
of articles and chapters in my
Matt Damon and Edward Norton star as poker hustlers in
and its box office haul cements it as a fan favorite.
reels, I silently whisper the symbols I hope
Marcia W. said she always
poker, did not have
any charms, lucky
(mGoeroergeorCloleosnseyk)eapntd thois mcreyw as they rob three Las Vegas movtiehehit. railing • Do not hold your drink over the
their with they
b the
l dolls ls before
the sad sacks who postulate those ideas. will become uncomfortable. After a while
cmasoitnhoesr.’sTmheansntaer-stduidcdtuemd .caNsto—Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt She has a whole outfit, DdoaumbotnI—hadveelivweristtcehnamrmy sahnadrewit, while the Bellagio’s casino she said, including a
8.oRr oundsceresa(m1998)ta-bBleo.x AOfsfipciell:e$d45d.1rimnkilliostnop($s22th.9emgilalmione when playing slot machines that I hope will
she goes to the casino.
the other hand, I have a small thing I do
sweater that she considers
become a mess
books where I attack certain gambling if someone sevens out. Everyone sevens • Do not blow on the dice. Aside from
This raucous comedy follows a bachelor party gone wrong popularity among poker players boost its rank.
twist their ring or bracelet in A little elephant on her keychain is murmur of “Free Game, Free Game, Free
at Caesars Palace. The casino scenes—blackjack tables, rooftop 9. The Cooler (2003) - Box Office: $18.3 million ($10.5
But I am generally a decent sort and you’ll be thought of as the craps plague. • Feel free to set the dice in any
ging them a winning spin. what helps Bob K. when he plays slots. Game” or “Red Butterfly, Red Butterfly,
antics—capture Vegas chaos. Critics loved its irreverent humor million in 2003) - Critical Acclaim: 77% Rotten Tomatoes
when I play craps I adhere to all the configuration you please but learn to do
er some days are just better He keeps the keychain in his pocket, and Red Butterfly,” as I sit at my favorite slot
and the chemistry of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach William H. Macy plays a “cooler,” a man hired to jinx casino
superstitions that other players think • Do not buy in or color up when the so quickly. Dice setters who take months
n and enjoying time
out, like Patricia, likes to know it is close. Bob’s machine.
Galifianakis. Its massive box office reflects its cultural impact, gamblers. His romance with Maria Bello and clashes with Alec
reflect reality and I make sure I bet at the shooter is holding the dice. Also, arrange to arrive at their set are annoying to turday were selected as the grandson gave him the elephant to put Does this chanting yield any real reward?
making it a modern casino classic. Baldwin’s casino boss add depth to the piece. Movie critics
f week (a4p1p%ro),pfroialltoewteimdebyandoInntehverkexypchreasinsmnoyt knyouwrincghipthsebyandiemnaolminIa’mtionotsosuthre,dbeuatlewrosuldevIemryiossndeoaitntghiettifabIle.
4. Rain Man (1988) - Box Office: $698.3 million ($354.8 praised Macy’s reserved and heartbreakingly authentic portrayal
unday anddisaMppoonidnatym(e3n5t%in, a oshftoeontererpwrehseonstes vgeonosd fodrotunn’teh—aveantodwsianscte timsteodpopiendg? sAo.bsolutely. And while it is fun to
million in 1988) - Critical Acclaim: 89% Rotten Tomatoes of the quintessential loser as well as the film’s fresh take on
%, respecotuivteqlyu).ickFloyr. some Bob likes to go to the casino several times have a sense of luck on yo•urDsoidne,otwmhentiton the word “seven” as This Oscar-winning drama stars Tom Cruise as a selfish Vegas. It is worth a watch.
day is the “uInthluicnkiemstydpalyayinagmteocnhtnhi,qtuhesehleopuhldant cha•rmKinsopwerfwechtaftorbetcsoymoeus thoacvaesinonos,tdhoen’tmfoargneytstuopperlastyitsimouasrtcraps players think this car dealer and Dustin Hoffman as his autistic savant brother, 10. Croupier (1998) - Box Office: $14 million ($7.1 million in
— maybe theat’bsehwahvyioriatl’snorhmim—. and it is for table. Do not slowantdhewagtcahmwehadtoywonu spewnidll. cause the seven to appear. Raymond. Their Las Vegas casino scenes, where Raymond’s 1998) - Critical Acclaim: 95% Rotten Tomatoes
e of the smloawneystpclasyineorsd—ays.but thAerneotahrer scoasminoanpylayear,rgKuaiyngL.ogvaevrethaibs iotr that bet. You should
math genius leads to blackjack wins, are iconic. Critics praised Clive Owen’s breakout role as a croupier-turned-heist
ho believe in lucky numbers of a smirk when hearing about lucky charms Do you have a question on the best way to
other craps players who make the game know exactly what you are wagering and
Hoffman’s transformative performance. conspirator is a moody gem. The film’s deep dive into casino life
and 13 rank high, but so and such. She said she had nothing like play to win? Email us at jackpotmagazine@
somewhat trying for the rest of us,” also what those wagers pay should you Do you have a question on the 5. Casino (1995) - Box Office: $244.4 million ($116.1 million and Owen’s icy performance won critics over. Its modest box
9, 69, 15, 25... and the list that and continued her slot playing. Tap, gmail.com.
iSnc1o9b9le5t)e-wCrroitiec.al Acclaim: 78% Rotten Tomwationesthem. A lot of tiomffieccearneflbectwsaitssteidndiebsesttatuwsa, ybuttoitpslacryititcoalwacincl?aimEmmaialkeussitaat MWaertionffSecrorhsiessel’sistepoicf ctrhiminegsdrpalmayaerdsivesbiyntsohothoteerms onbo-trurnememhidbdereingtrewahsuarteb. ets jackpotmagazine@gmail.com.
182 JJACKPOT!MAGAZZININEE•J•uJlyul2y025025 THESTOHUETSHO’USTLHA’RSGLAERSTGEGSUTIGDUEITDOETGOAGMAIMNGIN&GF&UFNUN• •wwww.j.ajacckkppootmtmagazine.com
this cult classic. The smoky card rooms and high-stakes games
to be lucky, but it is mainly will appear. “Quick Hit, Quick Hit, Quick
3. The Hangover (2009) - Box Office: $701.7 million ($469.3 resonate with
ideas that are patently false and if truth out. Just keep your disappointments to being disgusting, no one wants to hold dice
the socks that seem to energize her Hit...” I chant while the reels go ’round.
million in 2009) - Critical Acclaim: 78% Rotten Tomatoes its 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and enduring
be told, I’ve been somewhat unkind to yourself. If you throw a fit, other players that might have your germs on them. tight to their when playing video poker. At other times, you can hear my faint
gamblers. Critics were
lukewarm at
release, but
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