Hollywood is often the centre of many gambling scenes and is the birthplace of many classic films that focus on gambling. This focus on gambling is perhaps a reflection of some of the big-time film directors who create these films and their love for gambling in real-life scenarios. After all, the risk and suspense created by a good poker table at the best online casinos can reach similar anticipation levels to the latest thrilling blockbuster. Many in the film industry have been known to tipple in betting, with their unpredictable, high-risk, and thrill-seeking personalities being conducive to both activities. But who in Hollywood enjoys a gamble? 

Whilst many film directors are not what you could call compulsive gamblers, a number of them understand the games and psychology needed by the best gamblers. For Martin Scorsese, these words could not ring more true. Scorsese was raised in Little Italy in New York during a time when the community there was very much ingrained in the culture of gambling. The old school Italians here would always be playing dice games, have card tables present, and offer street-level bookies to cater for those living in the neighbourhood. 

These themes and settings later featured in numerous different films in which the famous director was a part. He, himself, admitted that he used to wager some bets when he was younger, but has not been active in that in his later years. Instead, he has advised that he likes to explore the artistic side of gambling. 

Many of Scorsese’s huge films, such as Casino, Raging Bull, and The Wolf of Wall Street, feature betting aspects and portrayals of personalities who are driven by gambling. The casino itself is perhaps one of the best portrayals of gambling culture as it shows the rise and fall of a Vegas empire intricately and spectacularly. Scorsese manages to explore the control and greed aspects of gambling that are so often present. 

Whilst Scorsese is no longer actively a gambling man, the same cannot be said for Ben Affleck. Affleck’s gambling habits are pretty well known to many around the world. The now-director of a number of huge films has made the news with his card counting abilities and has also now got himself banned from certain institutions in Las Vegas. Affleck is known for his highly rated blackjack skills and has spoken openly about his love for the game. He has reported that he has trained a lot in the tactics of blackjack, which perhaps mirrors his level of commitment to film through its methodical and confident manner. 

When it comes to methodical, Affleck is not the only one who has shown such skills in both the gambling world and the film directing sphere. It may come as a surprise to many, but Stanley Kubrick was a chess prodigy long before he became involved in film. During his younger years, Kubrick made money by gambling on chess in New York, teaching him important tactical skills and strategy. The calculated risks and focus on intellect were always something that excited Kubrick with chess, and many of his films are a direct reflection of this, where he tackled controversial subjects and included elongated or complex plots that are a gamble in themselves, but that often play out similar to chess games in a way. 

Using plots to portray gambling culture and risk is something Guy Ritchie is also fond of. The infamous British director has made his name through gangster and criminal underworld plots in films such as Revolver and Snatch. These films show gambling for money and also characters taking massive gambles with risks, where the twists, turns, tension, and unpredictability of the films mirror that of a game of poker, which Richie himself has expressed he does indulge in. 

The skills and culture surrounding filmmaking and gambling go hand in hand. They both require risks to be taken, tactical maneuvers, and eccentric flair to become successful. Whilst some directors draw on their own experiences and enjoyment of gambling to use as themes within their films, others implement the skills and personalities they admire and that are expressed during gambling games to portray intricate plots on the big screen, aiding the creation of their masterpieces.