Take a look @ classic movies with 'gambling' as a theme including "The Gambler", "California Split", "Croupier" and "The Big Town":
Director Karel Reisz' "The Gambler" (1974), stars James Caan as a college professor who descends into addiction, losing in underground casinos and gambling den brothels, before the ease of today's live casinos, where you can still interact with players and dealers online.
But through his challenging journey, the character eventually finds himself and a positive redemption..
Director Robert Altman's "California Split" (1974), follows two friends, played by Elliot Gould and George Segal, who decide to take their gambling seriously, pooling their funds together for a trip to Reno Nevada.
"California Split" features a wide range of gambling including casino, poker, horse racing and sports betting...
...that portrays gambling in a fun light, with the protagonists winning big in the end.
Director Mike Hodges' "Croupier" (1998) launched the career of actor Clive Owen.
Owen plays London-based casino croupier 'Jack Manfred', who is trying to write a novel while struggling to eke out a decent living.
The character gets involved in a sexually charged relationship with a wealthy gambler who offers him close to $30,000 to take part in a casino heist.
As a dedicated gambler and thrill-seeker, the character is more than willing to take a chance.
"The Big Town" (1987), directed by Ben Bolt and Harold Becker, features a variation of the game 'heads up craps' where players make side bets between themselves, instead of betting against the house.
Odds in these games are negotiated among the parties involved with the idea to get someone else to agree on the 50-50 odds.
The film stars Matt Dillon as a successful craps shooter who had to move to Chicago to become a professional player, before the easy accessibility of today's latest casino bonuses.
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