![Top 20 casino scenes in movies - James Bond film Casino Royale takes top spot](/upload/news/2023/08/28/91492.jpg)
Daniel Craig's debut James Bond film, Casino Royale, has been named as having the best on-screen casino scene, according to research.
The tense scene from the 2006 spy film shows Bond taking on terrorist Le Chiffre (portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen), in a high-stakes tournament of Texas Hold'em.
Meanwhile, other gripping gambling scenes from the silver screen include Paul Newman and Robert Shaw going head-to-head in Five Card Draw in 1973 heist movie, The Sting.
And Zach Galifianakis counting cards in Vegas, in 2009 comedy The Hangover, took third place – coming out ahead of the scene which inspired it, from 1988 film Rain Man, in which Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise do the same thing.
The top 20 casino film scenes were named as a poll of 2,000 Brits found that almost two-thirds (64%) wish they could shuffle cards like they do in movies – as just 4% would describe their shuffling skills as “very good”.
But now, magician Henri White has starred in a video for Lottoland.co.uk – which commissioned the research – to teach aspiring gamblers how to be as impressive as the action they see on the big screen.
The expert shuffler demonstrates how to look like a professional when dealing before a game of blackjack or poker – or even just showing off to your friends.
He guides you through pub-style beginners’ shuffles, all the way up to casino shuffles and magician’s tricks. The techniques look hard to master, but the key is in the slight pull of the cards, a flicking motion – and even a click of the fingers.
Henri, who has partnered with Lottoland.co.uk to create the video, said: “Magicians shuffle cards with flair and panache. It’s not all about the effectiveness of a shuffle, but the way it looks to an audience.”
And a spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research to mark its casino products, said: “There are so many iconic movie moments, but nothing beats a tense poker scene where someone could walk away with millions or nothing.
“Whether it’s Poker, Blackjack, or Roulette, casino games can be so entertaining – although it looks like a lot of people would rather watch the expert shuffling over the gambling.”
The study of 2,000 adults also found 37% of those who watch movies believe Poker scenes make a film more enjoyable – and they have inspired 26% to play the game themselves.
Poker, Roulette, and Blackjack were found to be the top casino games to watch in a film, accompanied by an unexpected twist, high stakes, and a comeback.
The research also saw Caesars Palace, in Las Vegas, voted the most popular casino to visit around the world – closely followed by its neighbouring hotel, the Bellagio, as well as Monaco’s Monte Carlo.
It also emerged half of those polled admire the skill of professional poker players, according to the survey, carried out via OnePoll. And 35% believe they have a good poker face – although only 21% consider themselves good at the game.
Not understanding the rules, not being good at reading people, and an inability to hide emotions, are key reasons Brits can’t play the card game well.
The Lottoland spokesman added: “Poker is a tricky game, so it’s not hard to see so few people consider themselves good – it’s all about the bluff.
“But for those who want to hone their skills and get in on the action, our casino has everything you’ve seen in the movies, from Poker and Blackjack to slots and Roulette – who needs Vegas?”
TOP 20 CASINO SCENES IN MOVIES: