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The best TV shows involving casinos

In partnership with WestCo marketing

By Brian Leonard

A casino roulette table
(Image: Wikimedia commons)

Casinos, with their glitz and glamour, have always provided a rich backdrop for TV shows. They exude an aura of intrigue, risk, and potential rewards, making some seriously gripping television. This article is a journey through the flashing lights of slot machines, high-stake poker games, and enigmatic characters that grace the small screen in 2023. Ready to binge-watch?

Las Vegas (2003–2008)

This American TV series “Las Vegas” ran from 2003 to 2008. With its high-octane pace, the drama offered viewers an exhilarating experience akin to that of the electrifying city in which it was set, spotlighting both the working lives and personal affairs of those employed by the casino. The show will appeal not only to gambling fans but also to other individuals who prefer bet on tennis odds or horse racing.

Ed Deline, the head of the casino operations, and his protégé Danny McCoy, a former Marine and Las Vegas native, work together to manage the daily operations, ensuring the smooth running of the casino and handling any problems that arise. The show features a diverse cast of characters, from pit bosses to casino hosts, all with their secrets and dramas that add layers to the story.

With its high-stakes environment, compelling storylines, and complex characters, “Las Vegas” is a thrilling journey into the heart of Sin City. Every episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what drama will unfold next.

The Player (2015)

“The Player” is an exhilarating American action series that graced television screens in 2015. It skillfully blends the excitement of high-stakes gambling with pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled action sequences. The plot follows Alex Kane, a former military operative who now works as a security expert and finds himself at the center of a mysterious game.

Wealthy individuals engage in this enigmatic pastime by betting on whether or not Kane can stop major crimes before they are committed. Mr. Johnson and Cassandra King control every aspect of this thrilling competition and serve as guides to help avoid any obstacles along the way.

With its thought-provoking premise, “The Player” offers viewers an electrifying amalgamation of suspenseful drama alongside crime-busting heroics – an unmatchable combination found only within top-tier action series’. Indeed it stands out for both entertainment value but also impeccable production quality throughout all show’s episodes.

Sneaky Pete (2015-2019)

Sneaky Pete,” a critically acclaimed crime drama series aired from 2015 to 2019, was co-created by Bryan Cranston and David Shore. The story follows Marius Josipovic, a con man who, after being released from prison, adopts the identity of his cellmate, Pete Murphy, to evade a vicious gangster he owes money.

He moves in with Pete’s unsuspecting family, who haven’t seen the real Pete in years, and becomes entangled in their bail bond business, leading to many exciting events. The series expertly blends crime, family drama, and dark comedy elements. While juggling his dual life and getting deeper into the bail bond business, Marius also deals with morally complex issues, adding an extra layer of intrigue and depth to this enthralling series.

Lucky Man (2016–2018)

“Lucky Man” is a British crime drama series from 2016 to 2018, based on an original idea by comic book legend Stan Lee. The story centers around Harry Clayton, a detective inspector in Central London’s Murder Squad, who is given a mystical bracelet that brings the wearer immense luck.

This seemingly advantageous gift turns Clayton’s life upside down and puts him on a collision course with those who covet the power of the bracelet. With the newfound luck, he’s able to control the outcome of his actions, but he soon realizes that every piece of luck comes with a cost, often causing disastrous consequences. “Lucky Man” provides a unique twist on the traditional crime drama, exploring themes of luck, fate, and morality, making it a truly gripping series.

Vegas (1978-1981)

Vegas,” a gritty detective series that ran from 1978 to 1981, centers on the intrepid private investigator Dan Tanna as he navigates the nefarious underworld of Las Vegas. Located in a parking lot at the posh Desert Inn Hotel and Casino, Tanna’s office epitomizes Sin City glamor.

The show delves into the seedier side of Las Vegas where casino-related events spawn serious crimes that Tanna must solve. As such, “Vegas” provides an inside look into organized crime syndicates alongside corrupt officials operating within city limits.

In contemporary times it remains relevant television viewing for its innovative plotlines coupled with unforgettable characters against this playful yet dangerous world -showcasing how being a private eye is thrilling indeed!

Conclusion

Television series set around casinos offer a unique insight into the world of glitzy gambling and exciting high stakes. With each show featuring complex characters dealing with morally ambiguous choices in their professional and personal lives, viewers experience a range of genres, including drama, crime-thriller, and action-comedy.

From the adrenaline-fueled “Las Vegas,” where we follow employees running day-to-day operations at Montecito Resort & Casino, to Marius Josipovic’s dual life in “Sneaky Pete,” we see how these shows create an immersive environment leaving audiences on edge after every episode.