The link between gambling and movies is nothing new. Throughout the ages, some of the biggest cult classic films have not only been set in casinos but have also employed gambling games as important narrative tools to help tell stories and heighten emotions. In addition, some of the most popular characters in the history of film have even become associated with gambling, including James Bond or Sam Ace Rothstein in Scorsese’s Casino.
In this sense, over the years, movies have greatly contributed to helping shape the image of casinos in the public eye. As a result, these places have become linked to certain themes and experiences.
New Age of Gambling
In the past ten years, and as the digital world began to take over, gambling entered a new age. Most classic gambling games have been adapted to the digital world, so users can now play casino roulette online, poker, baccarat, and slots, among others. However, the digital adaption of all these titles wasn’t exactly straightforward. Recent and evolving game-developing technologies have offered limitless possibilities to casino game developers. In many cases, the digital medium has even allowed for the introduction of new possibilities, and consequently, the creation of new game variations.
Nonetheless, the success of new and older game versions heavily relies on the way they are designed and presented to users and gamblers. In fact, game design and aesthetics have always been essential in any type of game, but the audiovisual medium further underlines this aspect.
Souce: Pexels
Online Casinos and Movies
Looking at how online casinos and their games have been developed, it is easy to understand the importance and influence of movies in the development of these platforms. First of all, if we think of how casinos are depicted in most movies, the first themes that come to mind are luxury and glamour. While these themes may have always been linked with casinos, it is important to highlight that movies have reinforced this idea and even helped to create an expectation of what a casino experience should be. In this sense, most online gambling platforms tend to base their visuals on high-end casinos evoking the idea of exclusivity and premium experiences. This is why colours such as golden, black and red are some of the most featured in online casinos because they invoke these same themes.
In addition, games have also adopted motion graphics and 3D animation, which simulate the camera movements seen in films and were promoted by movies. Ultimately, this effect creates a sense of movement, but also offers users a gambling experience that borrows from the cinematic universe. Similarly, casino games are no longer solely gambling games. They feature original characters, complex and dynamic environments, and even plots.
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But that’s not all. Much like movies, most online casino games feature original soundtracks and sound effects. In fact, this is no coincidence. Sound, along with images, can help create an atmosphere, establish a theme, and signal the importance of specific moments. In addition, many casino platforms feature gambling games directly inspired by popular movies, including The Matrix, Jumanji or The Terminator.
Ultimately, over the years casinos have been celebrated by movies and benefited from this. As a result, the link between gambling and movies has changed the way we look at casinos and influenced how this industry operates within the online entertainment sector.