One of the oldest forms of entertainment in human history is gambling. Over centuries, gambling has evolved into the form we see today. But even humankind’s oldest epics have mentioned famous gambling wagers. This trope also trickled down into other kinds of literature: first fiction and then even science fiction.
Casinos in Science Fiction
Most science fiction universes are based in far-off galaxies on different planets and otherworldly creatures and cultures. Despite these vast differences between sci-fi and the real world, writers of science fiction still often choose to include gambling as people can identify with it. Its prevalence online means most people are at least aware of it as the multitude of online casinos available allow people to play roulette online or try their hands at sci-fi-themed slots among other options. Therefore, this familiarity or awareness allows creators of science fiction to draw a connection between the reader and the material so the world feels more realistic.
Several works of science fiction show the characters gambling in casinos. One of the most significant among these is the Star Wars franchise. It is significant to note that one of the most important moments in the Star Wars universe also takes place in an atmosphere that resembles a casino. We first see the iconic Han Solo in a tavern, the Mos Eisley cantina.
Like gambling and casinos, science fiction also has an air of mystery surrounding it. Both these areas are about glamorous unknown worlds. There is a certain sense of unpredictability in gambling as well as science fiction.
The world of Star Wars also has other places which the characters like to visit to play a few hands –Naboo, Reaper’s World, The Wheel, Ahakista, and Abregadi Rae. In fact, the creators of the series also invented a game called Sabbacc, which all the creatures across the galaxy like to play, but especially the protagonist Han Solo.
A recurrent theme in the Star Wars galaxy
Like the real world, the Star Wars world also has a big casino destination, namely, Canto Bight on the planet Cantonica. People from all over the galaxy visit Canto Bight for gambling. This was first introduced in the 2017 film of the series, The Last Jedi. However, the importance of Canto Bright as a gambling destination is evident from the reference made to it in the TV show Andor, a spin-off from the Star Wars movies, the events of which take place almost thirty years before The Last Jedi. This continuity within the Star Wars universe is in a way reflective of the popularity and relatability of gambling in the science fiction world. It is also very interesting to see how writers of Star Wars have married themes like gambling and rebellion.
We can see that casinos and gambling make an appearance in some way or the other in the entire Star Wars series. While this could, of course, be the writers favoring this theme for the rich content it can offer, it is more likely that even science fiction wants to connect with their fans and this is a smart way to do that.