Documentaries About Casinos and Bookmakers

Publication date: 03 Jul 2025

Documentaries about casinos and bookmakers are popular because they unveil the behind-the-scenes world of gambling, intertwined with huge sums of money, psychology, and unexpected twists of fate. Audiences are drawn to stories of monumental wins and crushing losses, eliciting strong emotions and a sense of drama. Additionally, these films often expose the dark side of the industry — fraud, addiction, and crime — which adds intensity and realism. Finally, the theme of gambling resonates universally, as even non-gamblers can imagine themselves in the protagonists’ shoes, dreaming of wealth or sympathizing with their falls. On 3S.INFO, discover the finest documentaries about gambling and betting. Pure truth, nothing but the truth! 

Bad Sport (2021, USA, Netflix)

• Summary: A six-episode true crime series exposing scandals in the sports world, including underground betting, fixed matches, and doping controversies. Episode “Hoop Schemes” on basketball betting is particularly compelling.
• Key Insights: Real crimes, investigations, and testimonies from players and participants. Available with Russian subtitles on Netflix.

Action (2019, USA)

• Summary: A documentary series exploring the legalization of sports betting in the US, featuring interviews with handicappers, bookmakers, ordinary gamblers, and discussions on the economic and cultural impact of sports betting.   
• Key Insights: Examines contemporary shifts in the legal betting industry and societal implications. Unfortunately, there is no official Russian-language translation available. 

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Can You Beat the Bookies? (2019, UK)

• Summary: A short documentary starring comedian Lloyd Griffith attempting to double £7,500 in four weeks by betting on sports events and outsmarting bookmakers. The film explores the analytical process, strategies, and emotional ups and downs of gambling. 
• Key Insights: Authentic gambling experience, humorous approach, critique of the betting industry; educational for understanding the challenges and risks of sports betting. No official Russian translation available. 

Inside the Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure (2019, USA)

• Summary: A true story of professional players traveling through casinos, beating the system by counting cards. The camera follows them at the table.
• Key Insights: One of the most honest portrayals of a professional blackjack player’s life. The movie is available only in English.

KidPoker (2015, USA)

• Summary: A documentary about Daniel Negreanu, tracing his childhood, path to success, and rise as one of the world’s greatest poker players. 
• Key Insights: Contains extensive personal footage, memories from friends and colleagues, legendary tournament clips, and insights into what it takes to be a true professional at the poker table.

Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker (2013, USA / Canada)

• Summary: The story of several ordinary players who made millions through online poker forums until “Black Friday” crashed the entire market overnight.
• Key Insights: Real-life stories of everyday people, chronicles of major online tournaments, and insights into how thousands of players’ lives were transformed worldwide. No official Russian translation or subtitles available.

Grinders (2012, USA)

• Summary: A film about the lives of “grinders” — players who make a living by playing poker hour after hour at small stakes tables. 
• Key Insights: Unique glimpse into the mundane, non-glamorous side of poker: balancing wins and losses, psychological pressures faced, and the reasons behind continuous play. No official Russian translation or subtitles available.

Underground Poker (NYC, 2012, USA)

• Summary: A National Geographic film exploring the underground poker scene in New York — hidden clubs, clandestine games, and the risks taken by players and organizers.
• Key Insights: Interviews with participants and real dealers, rare footage of secret games in the megapolis where stakes and dangers are equally high. No official Russian translation or subtitles available.

All In: The Poker Movie (2009, USA)

• Summary: The rise of poker in the USA — from its underground roots to becoming a mainstream phenomenon. Focused on Chris Moneymaker’s famous victory igniting the “poker boom” and an inside look at legendary players and the online poker industry.
• Key Insights: A true timeline of poker history, rare footage, interviews with professionals, and explanations of how “Black Friday” forever changed the industry. No official Russian dubbing; occasional amateur subtitles may be available. 

Sports are inherently exciting and emotionally charged, and films about them amplify the narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph. These stories inspire beyond athletics, energizing viewers for new endeavors. Want to harness this powerful theme in your marketing? Connect with 3SNET’s advertising offers and launch inspirational campaigns!