Search for gambling songs on the internet, and you will likely come across some interesting lists. Some songs vaguely link back to gambling, and some have no association at all. So, we have taken the time to bring you ten classic gambling songs that are 100% connected to the world of Las Vegas, gambling houses, and just sitting back playing a few hands with your mates. Some may even remind you of the best music-themed online slots games, so let's get stuck in. We've got some huge tracks to get through:
1. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
How can we not kick the list off without The Gambler by Kenny Rodgers? Every gambler can relate to the lyrics: "You gotta learn to play right” and “You’ve got to know when the Hold’em.” The gambling advice inspired Rodgers to pen this song continues to hit the right notes.
2. Ace of Spades – Motorhead
Ace of Spades should be on every gambling music list; if not, it’s not worth reading! Lemmy wrote one of the biggest gambling songs and one of the most iconic rock songs ever in this title. It has everything. It’s loud, fast, and has brilliant lyrics - ‘The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say!’
3. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis
Elvis! Of course! Here we have the King singing about the good times from his Vegas residency and all the entertainment you can find on the famous Strip. Viva Las Vegas is one of the more upbeat songs on the list and one that is perfect for getting in the mood for some casino fun.
4. When you’re hot, you’re not – Jerry Reed
A tale about a gambler who enjoys a winning streak until an unfortunate meeting with a police officer. As luck would have it, the gambler knows the judge and struck a deal to get a smaller sentence. Not exactly a story we can relate to, but it’s all about gambling!
5. The Galway Races – The Dubliners
The Dubliners lean more towards horse racing in this song, but that is still gambling in our book. Classy Irish-inspired lyrics such as betting “without scruple” and betting “on the sporting wheel of fortune” put a different spin on the gambling pastime.
6. Blackjack – Ray Charles
We all know Hit the Road Jack by Charles, but not many people know the man was a keen gambler too. Blackjack was inspired by his losses, with lyrics like “Every quarter I get, Lord, Blackjack takes it away”, reminding us of all that bankroll management is key when playing any casino game.
7. Bob Dylan – Rambling, Gambling Willie
A classic Dylan tale of a betting man who roamed the states of America, winning everything and fathering children from border to border. It sounds like a mad life, but all good things come to an end. Dylan teaches a simple lesson here – quit while you are ahead.
8. Casino Boogie – Rolling Stones
Most song lists will have a Stones track, right? Here we have Casino Boogie, and while there is no direct link to the lyrics, this song and many others from Exile on Main St were inspired by the time the band spent in Monte Carlo and all its casinos.
9. Easy Money - Billy Joel
A sweeping number that takes in all forms of gambling, from betting at the track to playing slot machines and private poker games. It all gets a mention as Billy Joel paints a picture of gambling for the Easy Money movie in 1983.
10. Mr Mudd and Mr Gold – Townes van Zandt
Only poker purists are going to understand this one. Five-card stud poker is the game in mention, and the lyrics describe the head-to-head battle between Mr Mudd and Mr Gold that also incorporates the clash between good versus evil and the pros of perseverance. Thought-provoking!
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