If you’ve always fancied yourself as a spy, just like James Bond, or a hero like Iron Man – or maybe you daydream about the nights spent at star-studded casinos that have doubled as movie scenes – these casinos might be right up your alley.
From Casino Royale to Ocean’s Eleven – join us as we venture down the red carpet and right into the heart of Hollywood to discover some of the most popular casino film locations, and where you can fulfill your gaming fantasies in real-life, to become the next A-list player.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace embodies the lavishness of Las Vegas, measuring 600,000 square feet, the casino and hotel has been featured in over 50 films. The lights, restaurants, shopping malls and gaming facilities are just one part of what makes this casino so exciting. Having been featured in The Hangover series, as well as Rain Man, Dreamgirls, 21 and Godzilla, Caesars Palace is no doubt one of the most popular filming locations.
During Iron Man, Tony Stark can be seen conversing with a journalist outside the building, as well as playing Craps in the casino later on in the film.
If this isn’t enough, the whole place is designed to allow guests to live like Caesar and indulge in spa treatments, pools, shows and nightlife during your stay.
The Tropicana
The Tropicana, situated in Atlantic City, not only has an online casino, but is also a popular filming location.
Established in the 50s, the casino was one of the first in ‘Sin City’. This means that its doors were open during the days of the mob and hosted the games of superstars such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Movies have been filmed in The Tropicana since the 60s, including Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley. Alongside Godfather II, Las Vegas Gambit and Let’s Make a Deal – this casino has also hosted our beloved 007. James Bond: Diamonds Are Forever is another classic Hollywood film that has been shot at The Tropicana.
The Ballagio Casino
If you love a casino movie, then there’s no doubt you’ve seen Ocean’s Eleven. The film, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia, gives us a fantastic tour of the casino in between the action-packed humour, great acting and incredible cinematic editing. The film showcases the casino’s many Slots and elegant Poker and Blackjack tables, alongside the lobby, botanical gardens and lake in front of the building. The 2001 heist film shows the Italian themed casino in all its glory, and with its majestic fountains, it really is no wonder its location is a film-makers favourite.
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
You might recognise this casino from the popular game GTA: San Diego, as the Visage Hotel – or as one of the most iconic structures in Las Vegas. The site was purchased by MGM Resorts International and has been used in over 20 productions.
In the film Rounders, actor Matt Damon and his friends are seen playing Poker in the casino. Vegas Vacation and The Wolf of Wall Street are just a few more examples of movies that have featured this incredible location. At The Mirage, not only do you get the lavish gaming experience of staying at an MGM resort – but on top of the pools, cabanas and luxury stay, you can also visit the enchanting secret garden and walk into the world of Bottlenose Dolphins, White Tigers, Lions and Leopards – right in the building’s back garden. Now, that’s a movie-worthy adventure!