Professional gambling is surrounded by a complex and multifaceted industry, where sobering losses intertwine with life-changing wins. Over the years, top documentaries on professional gambling like those in this review have been successful in letting members of the public into this high-stakes space.
Keep reading this post to see some of the best documentaries that provide a glimsiee into the professional gambling world, bringing viewers up-to-date with various aspects of this often mysterious environment.
- The Best of It (2016)
The Best of It explores the intense world of professional gambling through the lenses of sports betting experts. The documentary hosts four main characters whose lives were dedicated to sports gambling.
Their stories disclose the highs and lows of seeking profit in a notoriously tough space, as each gambler describes their unique gambling approach and experiences. The Best of It was directed by Scott Pearson Eberly, and is available on it’s official IMDb page.
2. Inside the Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure (2019)
“Inside the Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure” offers an interesting look into the lives of professional blackjack gamblers. The film, which was directed by Chriss Buddy, offers a rare glimpse into the experiences and strategies of elite blackjack players in a struggle to oust casinos and win millions of dollars.
Notable gambling figures like John Chang, Al Francesco, Tommy Hyland, and James Grosjean feature in this documentary, adding lots of credibility and relatability to the stories. The entire story runs for about 72 minutes and is rated 13+.
3. Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker (2013)
“Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker” explores the rise and fall of the online poker industry. The film details the lives of several online poker professionals during the 2000s, a period where poker games witnessed explosive growth and sudden decline.
Experienced poker players, like Chris Moneymaker, whose 2003 victory at the World Series of Poker changed his fortunes forever, often visit online casinos as Slotoro, which you can learn more about at platforms like https://pl.polskiesloty.com/slotoro-opinie/ and other.
The film was directed by Ryan Firpo, and indelrikes the influence of online poker on a generation.
4. Now Place Your Bets: The History of Sports Betting (2017)
“Now Place Your Bets: The History of Sports Betting” is an insightful documentary that covers the rise of America’s sports betting industry. It details how this activity has morphed from its roots at horse race tracks to a significant multi-billion dollar industry.
Narrated by Trip Mitchell, the documentary stars professional gamblers, oddsmakers, casino managers, and historians. If you need some deep exposure into America’s sports betting world, this six-part film can make a good shot.
5. Kid Poker (2015)
A feature-length portrait of Daniel Negreanu, one of the most successful and charismatic poker players ever. It traces his journey from a teenage dropout in Toronto running underground games, to becoming a six-time WSOP bracelet winner, Poker Hall of Famer, and the all-time tournament money leader for many years. The film dives deep into his unique reading ability, emotional intelligence at the table, and how he turned poker into a mainstream celebrity career.
Shot by Francine Watson in collaboration with PokerStars. You can watch it on Netflix and PokerGO.
6. The Smart Money (2013)
A lesser-known but highly praised underground documentary by Luke Stanke that follows a small group of professional advantage gamblers (“sharps”) who beat casinos at blackjack, video poker, and other games using mathematics, hole-carding, and edge-sorting techniques.
Features real casino footage, hidden-camera plays, and interviews with anonymous pros who explain exactly how they maintain an edge while dodging casino heat. Very technical and realistic – no Hollywood glamour.
Free with ads on Tubi or you can watch it on Prime Video.
Conclusion
The best documentaries expose intricacies about the industry to guide professional gamblers today. Once you spot your favorite casino site, you’re ready to commit real money here for a chance to win sizable prizes. However, you also want to exercise considerable caution and play responsibly at your chosen casino.
For instance, set a gaming budget and stick to it. That way, you can protect financial and mental health, while enjoying the thrill of your favorite casino games.