Gambling is fun, but it comes with different sides. That’s something we’ve seen in the media for a long time. In fact, just in the early 1900s, we already started to experience the sensation of gambling while watching Humphrey Bogart in The Big Sleep.
Then, fast forward to the 21st century. Now, we’ve got Ocean’s 8, where eight women pull off a heist. The focus – gambling, of course.
Sure, there’s no harm in enjoying these shows. But what happens when we take them too seriously? Addiction to betting isn’t something new, and with the wrong influence, it could become worse. That said, the media really takes a look at both perspectives.
Famous Gambling Moments in Movies
Gambling scenes in movies are common. In fact, we’ve seen many examples over the years. If you’re looking for one of the best ones, though, then that’s The Great Gatsby. It’s one of those films that everyone just seems to love.
Jay Gatsby is the main character. From throwing lavish parties to getting the poker tables ready, this is the world of high-rollers. Fancy cars, big mansions, and even bigger bets are things that you see.
We all love James Bond. In Casino Royale, Daniel Craig takes on the role of this character. It’s like a more modern version of the classic films in the franchise.
And just as the name says, it’s all about casinos and gambling.
What happens when a couple of guys travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor’s party? Well, in The Hangover, they end up with memory loss and $80,000 of debt. This group then has to play blackjack for a chance to make up what they owe.
It’s a more humorous take on the gambling industry in films. But it’s a lot of fun and still paints a picture of how dangerous this world can sometimes be.
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How Reality and Drama TV Shows Portray Gambling
Movies aren’t the only way that pop culture portrays gambling. There are also several drama and reality TV shows where you can see people engage in everything from poker to classic slot games.
Drama shows like Sneaky Pete and Las Vegas have shown us different perspectives on gambling.
There are also shows like The Bet House, which is a reality TV series where people are placed in a mansion. They will then participate in sports betting events. Luckily, with technology, people placing bets on sports can use statistical data. Even some soccer teams are now using analytical data to improve their performance. This creates new opportunities when choosing which teams to bet money on.
Celebrity Endorsement Affecting Perception of the Public
The fact that we see some of our favorite celebrities gambling in movies and TV shows has created another matter that we should discuss. They essentially endorse gambling activities, and when you see someone you admire play poker or blackjack on TV, it motivates you to try the games yourself.
A research paper explains that celebrity endorsement in the gambling industry can lead to better trust, as well as ensure a product has a longer lifespan. Celebrities aren’t just showing their love for gambling in movies and TV shows. Many of them are now paid to talk about specific casino brands.
Ben Affleck, for example, is known to be skilled at blackjack and has publicly spoken about his love for the game.
How Media Has Created a Loop That Shapes Gambling Reality
Pop culture and media, in general, have created this loop that is shaping how people see gambling. This affects gambling behavior in multiple ways since there are two sides to how the media portrays these activities.
One side of the media glamorizes gambling. This would include movies, TV shows, and even celebrities talking about how great gambling can be. It shows the high wins of celebrities and really plays on the thrill that poker, blackjack, roulette, and other games have to offer.
Then there’s the side that also shows us the bad elements of gambling. This includes showcasing the impact of gambling addiction and talking about the major losses that some people have to face when they’re not the ones taking home the chips.
The Role of Pop Culture in Promoting Responsible Gambling Behavior
Here’s an interesting fact: 2.6% of people in the US have some type of gambling problem. And that’s not all. In the UK, 0.5% have these issues.
Rewind to a few decades ago and you had to go to a land-based casino to place bets. Now, you just open up a web browser on your PC or phone. It’s so much easier to bet in the modern day. The options are endless. There are sportsbooks, table games, and slots on these sites.
All of this comes with a downside, too. Problematic gambling is a serious concern, as we’ve already noted. And when pop culture glamorizes gambling, it makes these activities seem attractive.
With that said, pop culture has different effects. Sure, some may promote addiction behavior. But, there are others that show the dark side of things.
One of the first things that the media needs to do is understand the current situation with gambling addiction and problematic behavior when placing bets. This would allow celebrities, TV shows, and movie directors to take a different approach to how they portray gambling.
Imagine celebrities talking about how gambling affects them. The truth of the entire situation. That’s something that can help people realize the dangers. It can shed light on how to limit how much you spend.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a gambler or not, you don’t need an introduction to these activities. In fact, some tend to spend a lot of time at the poker or blackjack table. Others open up their phones and start to play.
What affects our behavior in this market spans beyond just the ads we see. Media, including movies, TV shows, and even celebrities, affect our behavior. They influence how we see gambling. While some glamorizes these “games,” others tell us the whole truth, including the dark side of the industry.
