While most people tend to see sports betting as a game of chance, there are those who have managed to make a career out of it. These people have studied the odds like the belmont stakes odds and know how to place their bets in order to maximize their chances of winning.
For those who are looking to get into sports betting or who simply want to learn more about it, watching movies about sports betting can be a great way to do so. Not only will these movies provide you with entertainment, but they can also teach you a thing or two about what it takes to be a successful bettor.
With that in mind, here are some of the best sports betting movies that you should definitely check out.
Two for the Money (2005)
Two for the Money is a 2005 American sports drama film directed by D. J. Caruso and starring Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, and Rene Russo, with Jaime King, Armand Assante, and Roger Guenveur Smith in supporting roles. The film is about Brandon Lang (Matthew McConaughey), a former college football star who takes a job handicapping football games for Walter Abrams (Al Pacino), a successful businessman.
The Hustler (1961)
The Hustler is a 1961 American drama film directed by Robert Rossen from Walter Tevis’s 1959 novel of the same name, adapted for the screen by Rossen and Sidney Carroll. It tells the story of small-time pool hustler “Fast Eddie” Felson and his desire to break into the major league of professional hustling.
The film was shot on location in New York City and stars Paul Newman as “Fast Eddie” Felson, Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats, Piper Laurie as Sarah Packard, Geoffrey Horne as Bert Gordon, Stuart Margolin as Charlie Burns, Myron McCormick as Big John.
Newman’s performance was honoured with an Academy Award for Best Actor. The Hustler was nominated for nine additional Oscars including Best Picture.
Owning Mahowny (2003)
Owning Mahowny is a 2003 Canadian drama film directed by Richard Kwietniowski and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, and Maury Chaykin. The film is based on the true story of Brian Molony, a bank manager in Toronto who embezzled over $10 million in 1981 in order to fuel his gambling addiction.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for Hoffman’s performance.
If you are intrigued by the betting and casino scene, you should definitely watch the movies we discussed today.