Ten Best: Best Gambling TV Shows You Need to Watch in 2023
There’s a unique thrill that comes with participating in a high-stakes game at a luxurious casino or challenging your abilities on the newest online gambling sites. However, an equally exhilarating experience is to watch someone else dive headfirst into this world. This is the allure of gambling-themed shows and films; they draw viewers in with their suspense, excitement, and the dramatic scenarios that unfold in the world of gambling. Whether you’re a seasoned player who has mastered every variation of blackjack online, or a novice still grappling with the basics of ‘bingo’, these shows consistently deliver fun and entertainment. Over time, the themes of casinos and gambling have found a prominent place in numerous hit TV shows, providing a wide spectrum of choices for viewers. Lately, the gambling scene has also set the stage for compelling reality shows and docu-series. These shows allow you to bask in the thrill of gaming action without the fear of losing your own money! With a multitude of platforms offering films, series, and shows, finding the best ones can be daunting. Therefore, we’ve curated a guide to assist you in uncovering the best of the best in gambling TV shows.
Poker After Dark
“Poker After Dark,” an American television show that originally aired on NBC, has carved a niche for itself among poker enthusiasts and beginners alike. Premiering on January 1, 2007, the hour-long program presents a winner-takes-all game of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em each week, with a rewarding prize pool of $120,000. The show brings together an intriguing blend of professional poker players like Phil Hellmuth and celebrities such as Jennifer Tilly, making each episode a unique viewing experience. Its casting has been lauded for its diversity, even roping in popular YouTubers and streamers. One of the standout features of “Poker After Dark” is its intimate filming style. The show takes viewers on a journey at one table as it evolves over a week of play, offering a detailed look into the strategies and mind games involved in both tournament and cash games. In recent times, online poker giant GGPoker acquired the rights to the iconic show, continuing to film at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. It’s this blend of high stakes, expert gameplay, and celebrity glamor that makes “Poker After Dark” a hit among viewers.
Breaking Vegas
“Breaking Vegas” is an intriguing American documentary TV series that premiered on The History Channel in 2004. The show delves into the fascinating world of blackjack card counters, particularly focusing on a group of six M.I.T. students who took Las Vegas by storm with their complex mathematical schemes. From “The Ultimate Cheat” to “The Dice Dominator,” each episode explores different techniques used by these individuals to gain an edge over the house. The series does an excellent job of portraying the ecosystem created by this team of players, highlighting the legal and societal ramifications of their actions. Through exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis, the show provides a comprehensive view of this high-stakes world; visual representations are well-executed, effectively illustrating the complexities of card-counting and casino operations. Overall, “Breaking Vegas” excels in educating its audience on a complex and intriguing topic, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of professional gambling.
Las Vegas
“Las Vegas,” an engaging American TV series, premiered on NBC in 2003 and ran for five riveting seasons until 2008. Set in the vibrant backdrop of the Montecito Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the show offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s bustling casino life. The series revolves around the dynamic characters of Danny McCoy (Josh Duhamel), Samantha Marquez (Vanessa Marcil), Delinda Deline (Molly Sims), and James Lesure, each bringing their unique flair to the narrative. Their roles as members of an elite surveillance team tasked with maintaining the security of one of “Sin City’s” largest resorts lend an intriguing mix of crime, drama, and comedy to the storyline. Standout moments include high-stakes games, dramatic confrontations, and thrilling chase sequences that keep viewers glued to their screens. Over its five-year run, “Las Vegas” delivered overarching themes of loyalty, friendship, and the constant battle between personal desires and professional duties. Despite initial criticism, its blend of fast-paced action, compelling character dynamics, and the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas made it a memorable series for viewers.
The Casino
“The Casino,” a reality series that first premiered in 2004 on Fox, offers an inside look into the operations of the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The show’s strength lies in its unfiltered exploration of the casino industry, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the daily operations and challenges faced by the management. The main characters, Tom Breitling and Tim Poster bring authenticity to the screen with their real-life roles as owners of the casino. Their dynamic partnership and dedication to revamping the establishment add a compelling narrative to the series. However, the show falls short in terms of production quality. It often feels staged, with overly dramatized scenarios that detract from the authenticity of the premise. As for originality, while the concept of a reality show set in a casino is unique, the execution sometimes lacks the depth and nuance that could make it truly stand out. Despite these shortcomings, “The Casino” does offer entertainment value, particularly for viewers interested in the inner workings of the gaming industry. To improve the show, the creators could focus on delivering more genuine interactions and less scripted drama. Overall, “The Casino” is worth catching up on for those intrigued by the high-stakes world of casino management.
King of Vegas
“King of Vegas,” a unique reality series that aired on Spike TV in 2006, offered an intriguing blend of competition and entertainment. The show’s premise revolved around a gambling competition where players competed across a variety of games, vying for a grand prize of one million dollars. Hosted by boxing commentator Max Kellerman, the series showcased a diverse array of games including poker, craps, and roulette. However, the show’s strengths and weaknesses lie in its execution. While the concept itself was novel and the stakes were high, the pacing often seemed inconsistent, with some episodes packed with tension and others feeling somewhat lackluster. Character development was also a mixed bag, with some contestants like Mike Matusow and David Williams becoming memorable figures, while others faded into the background. Despite these inconsistencies, the show did manage to carve out a niche fanbase, particularly among gambling enthusiasts. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising the unique concept and others critiquing the production value. Ultimately, “King of Vegas” offers a unique viewing experience, particularly for those interested in gambling and competition-based reality shows. Its short run and distinctive premise make it worth considering for new viewers looking for something different from mainstream reality TV.
Big Deal
“Big Deal,” a British television series that aired from 1984 to 1986, was a compelling blend of comedy and drama that delved into the life of Robby Box, a small-time London gambler. The show skillfully explored the highs and lows of Box’s life, showcasing his struggles with gambling addiction, his interactions with his long-suffering family, and his consistent strive to strike it big. Throughout the series, viewers witnessed Box’s relationships evolve, particularly with his family members, portrayed by Sharon Duce, Pamela Cundell, James Ottaway, and Lisa Geoghan. The key themes revolved around addiction, family dynamics, and the pursuit of the ‘big deal,’ crafting a narrative that was both engaging and poignant. The show stood out for its authentic depiction of a gambler’s lifestyle, offering a unique perspective rarely seen in other dramas of the same era. However, it also suffered from occasional tonal shifts, juggling between light-hearted comedy and heavy drama. Despite these minor flaws, “Big Deal” remains a memorable series that provides a deep, character-driven exploration of life as a small-time gambler in 1980s London. For those interested in character-driven dramas with a unique twist, this series is certainly worth revisiting.
Tilt
“Tilt,” an American TV series that first aired in 2005, dives deep into the high-stakes world of professional poker in Las Vegas. The show follows young poker players navigating their past while competing against some of the best players in the world. Created by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, each episode is masterfully directed, maintaining a consistent level of tension and intrigue throughout the series. The performances, particularly from Michael Madsen and Chris Bauer, are commendable, lending depth and authenticity to their characters. However, the show’s strength lies in its exploration of the dark underbelly of the poker world, something not often depicted on television. Some aspects that didn’t quite hit the mark include the occasional over-dramatization of poker scenes and a few narrative threads that felt underdeveloped. Despite these minor flaws, “Tilt” provides an engaging viewing experience, particularly for fans of poker and drama series set in the world of high-stakes gambling. Its unique premise and well-executed storytelling make it a series worth watching for those interested in a different take on the sports drama genre.
Stan Lee’s Lucky Man
“Stan Lee’s Lucky Man,” which first aired in 2016, is a fascinating blend of the crime and supernatural genres. The series revolves around Harry Clayton, a deeply flawed detective who gains the power to control luck through a mysterious bracelet. James Nesbitt’s performance as the titular character is passionate and compelling, grounding the show with a sense of realism amidst its fantastical elements. However, the show has faced criticism for its plot, with some viewers arguing that it spirals into a convoluted narrative, particularly in its depiction of Hong Kong. Despite this, the series offers an intriguing premise that sets it apart from typical crime dramas. Its unique blend of investigation and supernatural gimmicks creates a thrilling viewing experience, offering more than just your average detective story. The show’s CGI and visual effects are also used conservatively, allowing the character development and mythology surrounding the bracelet to take center stage. In conclusion, “Stan Lee’s Lucky Man” may not be perfect, but its unique concept and engaging performances make it a worthwhile watch for fans of crime dramas with a twist.
Sneaky Pete
“Sneaky Pete,” an American crime drama series co-created by Bryan Cranston and David Shore, masterfully blends suspense and character development in a complex narrative. The story centers around Marius Josipović (Giovanni Ribisi), a con man who assumes the identity of his cellmate, Pete, to escape his past and intertwine himself with Pete’s estranged family. Ribisi delivers a compelling performance, convincingly portraying a man balancing on the edge of a dangerous double life. The series is also notable for its exploration of themes such as identity, deception, and family ties, all set against the gritty backdrop of the criminal underworld. In terms of tone, “Sneaky Pete” maintains a tense atmosphere that keeps viewers on their toes, while still incorporating moments of dark humor and emotional depth. Its unique premise and intricate plotlines set it apart from typical crime dramas, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Despite some narrative hiccups, the show’s well-rounded characters, intriguing storyline, and exceptional performances make it worth binge-watching. However, it’s worth noting that the series was canceled after three seasons, leaving some narrative threads unresolved. Nonetheless, “Sneaky Pete” is a gripping and engaging series that fans of crime dramas will likely enjoy.
The Player
“The Player,” an action-thriller crime drama series that aired in 2015, centers around Alex Kane (Philip Winchester), a security expert in Las Vegas recruited by the mysterious Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes) to prevent crimes while the wealthy place bets on his chances of success. The show’s premise is thrilling and unique, offering a high-stakes, fast-paced narrative that blends elements of crime-solving, gambling, and action. Winchester’s performance as the resourceful and determined Alex is commendable, while Snipes brings a sense of enigma and authority to his role as Mr. Johnson. The production quality of “The Player” is high, with slick cinematography capturing the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, alongside well-choreographed action sequences and immersive sound design. However, the show’s tone can sometimes feel inconsistent, wavering between serious crime drama and almost campy action thriller. Audience reactions were mixed, with some praising the show’s exciting premise and dynamic performances, but others criticizing its convoluted plot and lack of character development. Unfortunately, “The Player” was canceled after only one season, which may have left some viewers disappointed with unresolved storylines. Overall, while “The Player” had the potential to make a significant impact in the crime drama genre with its unique twist on the formula, it ultimately fell short due to its short run and mixed critical reception. Despite this, it remains an intriguing piece of television history for its ambitious concept and memorable performances.
