Casinos have provided a glamorous location in movies, associated as they are with high risk, increased tension and suspense as well as big money and class. Famous in many movies, including intelligence officer James Bond and friends from Ocean’s 11, the casino background not only emphasises the cool characters but acknowledges the growing interest in gambling worldwide.
The casinos on screen are usually built on set, to be dismantled or destroyed at the end of filming. This may not feel so bad for modern audiences more used to trying out their craps strategy at craps online casinos which can be played anytime, anywhere. However, there is nothing like walking in the footsteps of actors at brick-and-mortar casinos from your favourite movies, such as the ones listed here.
Planet Hollywood Casino
Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas, built in 2000, was used as a location at the point in the movie 21 (2008) starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey in a fact-based story about six MIT students who were trained to become experts in card counting and subsequently took Vegas casinos for millions in winnings. The casino was also a filming location for What Happens in Vegas (2008) starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher.
The Venetian
Featuring in at least three successful Hollywood movies, The Venetian’s details have been used to good effect. Whilst many believe the filming of Ocean’s 11 in 1960 was at The Venetian, it was actually the Sands Hotel Copa Room which was demolished in 1996 and replaced by The Venetian. The Venetian is also featured in Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005) and the introductory scenes of Rat Race (2001). The exterior also provided a backdrop for several scenes in the 2007 movie Resident Evil: Extinction.
Caesar’s Palace
Built in 1966, it is not surprising that Caesar’s Palace has been the backdrop in around 30 successful Hollywood movies. Its design inspiration is from the Roman Empire, with a giant statue of Julius Caesar in the entrance and décor dripping with statues, mosaics, fountains and marble and remarkable architecture. You can also see the Emperors Suite in Rain Man and you can also see the casino in Iron Man, Intolerable Cruelty and Dreamgirls. Visit in person and the 420 square metre, 24-hour poker area with game tables and slot machines will take your breath away.
The Bellagio
Located right next to Caesars Palace, The Bellagio, a luxurious hotel-casino built in Vegas in 1998, is one of the favourite casino locations for Hollywood movies, including Ocean’s 11 (2001) starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts et al. The movie highlights the variety of slot machines and lots of poker and blackjack tables all around the floor. The Bellagio lobby and botanical gardens are also used in the movie.
Mirage Casino
Vegas Vacation (1997) is a comedy in the National Lampoon’s Vacation film series. In the movie, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) takes his family on vacation to Las Vegas where they go through a series of misadventures. Much of the movie was filmed at The Mirage, including the Siegfried & Roy show. Opened more than 30 years ago, Mirage Casino has a Polynesian theme for its slots and table games.
