Barnorama All Fun In The Barn
Casino movies draw audiences in the millions. Set against the backdrop of shimmering lights, luxurious furnishings, plush carpets, and loads of cash, these movies embody glitz and glamor. They also showcase the risk and adrenaline rush that can only be delivered by the most exciting form of entertainment – gambling. And while most of these movies are filmed on temporary sets, some of your favorite casino films were made in real casinos across the globe. Here is a look at some of these featured casinos.
The MGM Grand Casino
Located on the Strip and with over 6,852 rooms, the MGM Grand is the world’s largest single hotel. It is a pioneering force in the world of gambling and sports betting and even partnered with Entain Holdings to establish BetMGM. BetMGM is an MGM division designed to exclusively cater to sports betting. It is also the headline brand for multiple sister online casinos like Borgata Online, which features as one of the five best new casinos to gamble at online, Party Poker, and Party Casino. As a filming location, the MGM Grand has been featured in Casino Royale, Now You See Me, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Muppets Wizard of Oz, Golden Eye, and the garden scenes in Ocean’s Eleven.
The Bellagio
Opened in October 15, 1998, the Bellagio is one of the largest hotel and casinos in the world. It was worth $1.6 billion at the time it was completed, which made it the most expensive resort in the world at the time. The Bellagio is home to many signature attractions, including the dancing water fountain; Fountains of Bellagio, botanical gardens, a conservatory, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. This remarkable hotel is also the setting of the last scene in Ocean’s Eleven and some scenes from Focus and Oceans Thirteen. In the former, the Fountain serves as the backdrop for when the actors walk away.
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
When the Mirage opened on November 22, 1989, it became the first megaresort to grace the Las Vegas Strip. Its almost-immediate success set the stage for the building boom of the 1990s that saw other large resorts built in the area in subsequent years. The Mirage then became the location of Sgt. Biko, Vegas Vacation, and Leaving Las Vegas. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas have also experienced a virtual version of The Mirage, expect in the game it is called The Visage.
Caesars Palace
Everyone who has been to Las Vegas knows Caesars Palace. The hotel and casino is one of the largest and most popular landmarks of the city and is situated smack between The Mirage and the Bellagio. Additionally, it is a popular film destination and the setting for popular movies like The Hangover, Rain Man, History of the World, Part I, Showgirls, The Hangover Part III, Lay the Favorite, Iron Man, Oh God! You Devil, and Fools Rush.
Planet Hollywood
Also located in Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood is a remarkable albeit smaller hotel and casino. The popular gambling movie 21, where the MIT Blackjack Team takes Las Vegas for all it is worth, was shot here. Some scenes from What Happens in Vegas, Get Him to the Greek, Somewhere, and Wonderland, Race to Witch Mountain and Step Up All In were also shot in Planet Hollywood.
Wrapping Up
Many gambling movies were filmed on set with custom-built casinos that get destroyed when filming wraps up. But, replicating mega resorts like the Bellagio is not always an option, or even possible so many more movies feature at least some scenes shot on location. And because these locations remain standing after filming, you can always visit them and relive your favorite films.