The rise in popularity of sports betting can be seen everywhere. Online betting providers are constantly expanding their betting offerings and offering bets on e-sports. And directors use the world of gambling as inspiration and make exciting films dedicated to sports betting. But how realistic are well-known films about sports betting? In this article we look at how realistic and truthful four Hollywood films and TV series about sports betting and bookmakers are. The order in which we have listed the films and series does not matter and says nothing about the ranking.
The Clou (original title: The Sting), 1973
This excellent crook comedy by George Roy Hill is about a young con artist Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford), who has lost his friend during a robbery of one of the crime boss’s money messengers. Together with his friend, they hatch a revenge plan against the mafia boss. Knowing his love of sports betting, they open a fake betting shop with non-existent employees and force him to bet $500,000.
Is the highlight realistic? Yes. The film was made in 1973 and the action takes place in the 1930s. That is, the film is shot in a “retro” style, which lovingly reproduces the features of a bygone era. And thanks to the excellent cinematography and artwork, the 1930s era looks very stylish. In 1931, gambling was legalized in Nevada and ten years later, gangster Bugsy Siegel opened a resort with a casino in Las Vegas. So it’s about the era of gangsters, and the director and actors have shown that brilliantly on the screen. After all, the highlight won 7 Oscars!
Mean Machine – The Fighting Machine (original title: Mean Machine), 2001
Even if this Barry Skolnick comedy starring Vinnie Jones is more about football than football betting, Mean Machine is a classic and a hit. And betting on football is one of the themes of the film. The film’s protagonist, Danny Meehan (Vinnie Jones) is a former professional football player and captain of the England national football team who left professional sport due to allegations of betting fixing. When he drives drunk one day and attacks a police officer, he is sentenced to three years in prison.
The prison warden has a fondness for football and betting. He appoints former football player Danny as coach of the football team, which consists entirely of prison guards. But Danny doesn’t want it and organizes the preparatory game between the guard and the prisoners and becomes the coach of the prison team himself. The director himself, who does not believe in the prisoners’ team’s ability to win, makes a big bet against them. And there is a great victory for the prisoners.
Is Mean Machine realistic? Not really. Yes, it’s about real issues like sports betting and rigged matches, but in reality such matches in prison would probably not happen. After all, Mean Machine is a comedy that is ideal for a fun movie night with family or friends. You shouldn’t expect anything more from it.
The quick money (original title: Two for the Money), 2005
An American football star Brandon Lang (Matthew McConaughey) is forced to find new ways to make money after an injury. He becomes an employee of a small company that provides sports betting recommendations to customers over the phone. This brings him to the attention of the owner of the consulting company, Walter Abrams (Al Pacino). Abrams runs the company, which specializes in sports betting tips.
Abrams makes Lang a tempting offer. Now their joint task is to attract customers with deposits worth millions. What will happen next when the fate of millions of dollars of customers depends on one man? And over time it turns out that Brandon’s job is somewhat morally reprehensible.
Is quick money realistic? Yes, and the film is even based on a true story.
Luck (original title: Luck), 2011-2012
This American television series starring Dustin Hoffman is about horse racing and betting on horse racing. After being released from prison, a former gangster Chester Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) wants to make his capital again with horse racing. Here you will find everything as it should be: mafia, intrigue, unscrupulous rivalry, etc.
Is Luck realistic? Yes! The people who worked on the series made it very authentic. From the beginning, the heroes use specific terms associated with horse racing and betting. This television series is a behind-the-scenes look at horse racing and sports betting. So if you are really interested in sports betting then you should definitely check out Luck.