The world of fiction is often focused on the subject of casinos. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that gambling is a universal part of life. Casinos have been the setting for a plethora of genres. This includes comedies, crime films and spy stories.

Rain Man

In this comedy drama two estranged brothers go on a road trip and soon run out of money. They attempt to scam casinos by counting cards. The blackjack scene filmed in Caesars Palace has become one of the most iconic portrayals of a casino on film. It has been referenced and parodied in many of pieces of media. A good example is the Simpsons episode "$pringfield".

Casino

In this 1995 Martin Scorsese epic a mobster is tasked with overseeing the day to day running of a casino. The gambling establishment in Casino is portrayed as a front for illicit activities. At the same time it is a place of glamor and wealth. Ultimately at the end of the film the criminals are punished and the casino becomes more legitimate.

Casino Royale

Daniel Craig plays 007 for the first time in this critically acclaimed action film. The story is centered around a high stakes poker game. James Bond goes undercover inside an elite casino where only the wealthiest patrons can gamble. There are several tense scenes where he struggles to best an experienced and villainous poker player. The gambling establishment in the film is shown to be very exotic and high class.

The Hangover

When a group of friends lose a groom right before his wedding they race across Las Vegas looking for him. A series of comedic escapades ensue. The movie is bookended with scenes inside a utländska casino. These were filmed in the real life Caesars Palace, the same place as in Rain Man. In fact, The Hangover contains several overt references to that movie. The most obvious one is a scene where the characters count cards.

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

Based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas is a surreal and sometimes nightmarish odyssey. Throughout the film the two main characters visit a range of different casinos. This includes a carnival themed one complete with trapeze artists. As the hallucinations of the characters deepen the portrayals of the gambling establishments become more bizarre.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Video games have also utilized casinos in interesting ways. A good example is the critically acclaimed San Andreas. There is a city that can be unlocked where players may gamble inside colorful casinos. One of them has an exotic Chinese theme. Another is the setting for an action packed heist mission. These casinos are useful for winning millions of in-game dollars.