Top 10 Best Gambling Songs of all Time

These are the top ten best gambling songs of all time – or are they? See if you agree with our list!

For millions across the globe, the thrill of gambling, when conducted responsibly, of course, is more than just a pastime. Many memories have been made in dusty smoke halls where deception, luck, and adrenaline all combine to leave a lasting impression on one’s brain.

Of course, the gambling landscape has changed beyond all recognition in the past two decades. As exciting as we find online casinos, they do not offer so much for artists looking to pen their next song for the masses to enjoy.

What makes a song one of the best gambling songs ?

The subject of gambling is an excellent source of inspiration for artists. Whether that be through the concept of a roll of a dice changing your life or seductive women outplaying you at poker, the gambling songs we will delve into in this article have all covered the subject of gambling in their own manner.

One casino game that comes up more than any other in this list is poker. I am not surprised by this, as poker combines so many fascinating elements of life: the ability to play the cards you are dealt, the power to deceive, and the possibility of winning everything or losing everything within a moment.

However, some songs focus on the glitz and glamor of betting on the strip. Romanticising the lifestyle associated with fast and dangerous gambling.

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Top 10 Best Gambling Songs – Kenny Rogers: The Gambler

This is perhaps the most famous gambling song of all time, and it’s definitely one of the best gambling songs. Presumed to be a Kenny Rogers masterstroke, the song was initially written and performed by artist Don Schlitz but became a mega hit when his fellow country star Kenny Rogers did his version in 1978.

In poker, you might start your hand holding two aces, but when five cards have been laid out in front of you, it might be in your best interest to walk away. In other words, do not become attached to your hand just because it was once precious. You can easily associate this with many issues you might encounter in your own life.

The ability to know when to hold on to something and the ability to know when to wave goodbye to something for good is a skill that cannot be underestimated. The Gambler couldn’t be more country if it tried. I particularly enjoy the lyric ‘on a train bound for nowhere.’

Presumably, the train had a final destination, but I shouldn’t be picking holes with this one; the song is infectious and one that has stood the test of time.

• Every gambler knows
• That the secret to survivin’
• Is knowin’ what to throw away
• And knowin’ what to keep
• ‘Cause every hand’s a winner
• And every hand’s a loser
• And the best that you can hope for
• Is to die in your sleep”

The lyrics above focus on attachment and for every hand that might appear golden, Rogers warns us that it can seal our fate. This song has put a smile on many a face.

Lady Gaga: Poker Face

Poker Face was released by pop star Lady Gaga in 2009 and went straight to the top of the Billboard 100. According to Gaga, the song is about her love life or, more precisely, her intimate life. Poker Face is bursting with sexual innuendos, which, if you’re a fan of the song, we expect you picked up on.

But the song does not take direct inspiration from her sexual experiences; instead, it takes inspiration from the great card game of poker.

She told a London crowd in 2013 that she was once making love to a man she was dating while thinking about chicks the whole time. By this logic, we can only presume that said man could not read Lady Gaga’s Poker Face as he doesn’t conclude that she is not entirely into him.

As the song lyrics describe it, the singer has to put on a poker face while making love to her partner to avoid hurting his feelings.

Wordplay and Sexual Innuendo

In the gambling world, a poker face is an inscrutable face revealing no hint of an individual’s thoughts or feelings, especially one used during a poker game. If you are particularly good at playing poker, your opponent cannot read you or predict what cards you have based on your body language.

If you are acting more nervous than usual, for example, while bluffing, your opponent might use this tell to make a call. This type of poker drama features in movies all of the time.

So whether you have a good or bad hand, your opponent should be none the wiser. This metaphor has since been applied to real-life situations, where it is essential to conceal your real emotions and remain unreadable in various scenarios, and Lady Gaga did just that.

The hit song contains wordplay about how she’s going about hiding the fact that she’s fantasizing about someone else while she makes love to her partner. Oddly enough, this also gives her a sense of control. Something essential to have in a game of poker.

Elvis Presley: Viva Las Vegas

The famous expression “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” suggests that whatever occurs there might be frowned upon within daily life. Please check out Norm Macdonald’s explanation of what he believes this expression means.

Las Vegas is a place where people can indulge in activities they might not normally engage in. Elvis, however, wanted to tell the whole world about his experiences, leaving many finer details out, I am sure.

Being considered the king of rock ‘n roll and widely considered a very handsome man, I wouldn’t take much convincing that he did indeed have a good time on the Las Vegas strip. I am sure you know that Las Vegas is the world’s gambling capital.

In that respect, this list would only be complete with a well-loved song by the King himself highlighting the place’s allure.

Released in 1964

Viva Las Vegas was released in 1964 as the theme song for the movie of the same name. Presley’s inspiration for the song stemmed from his own experiences in the city that never sleeps.

During the sixties, Vegas was a thriving hotspot for entertainment, with numerous well-renowned performers staying in the city’s extravagant hotels and casinos.

Elvis himself had garnered a strong presence in the city, performing 837 consecutive shows (that sold out, mind you) at the International Hotel. No doubt, the electric atmosphere and luxury of Las Vegas profoundly influenced the singer, thus shaping the creation of this timeless hit.

The song’s infectious melody and pulsating rhythm capture the thrill of the city’s famous Strip. The lyrics, penned by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus, known for their songwriting collaborations with Presley, paint a vivid picture of a somewhat utopian place. A place where the pursuit of never-ending fun never stops, where dreams do come true.

Elvis recognized for his unmatched showmanship and vibrant stage presence, perfectly aligns with the spirit of the song, oozing with charisma and mystique, much like Las Vegas itself. It is no wonder the song continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

AC/DC: The Jack

If you’re an old-school rock and roll fan, chances are Australian rock band AC/DC are among your best gambling songs . Furthermore, if you also happen to be a gambling enthusiast, the song “The Jack” by said legendary band might be among your favorites. The song was released in 1975 and is among the band’s most celebrated yet controversial releases.

In the simplest sense, the Jack, one of the band’s most iconic releases, is a rock song with lyrics describing a deceitful woman. But the song has more layers than that, with many fans debating the true meaning behind the lyrics. Is it a song about love? Does it involve a venereal disease?

While it turns out that the latter fact is true, you must have noticed that many poker references are incorporated into the lyrics.

Based on the lyrics, the song is about a woman who is exceptionally good at poker and outplays the singer (Bon Scott). Once the singer notices the woman sporting a tattoo on one leg and a garter on the other, he concludes that she has already “dealt” him the “Jack” card.

Then we hear the chorus repeat the expression, “She’s got the jack,” alluding to her prowess and luck. Finally, the singer then admits defeat.

This song uses clever wordplay to make the audience think the song is about a game of poker, but, in actuality, “the Jack” is an Australian slang term referring to a specific venereal disease. According to the band members, the song refers to “the clap,” a sexually transmitted disease they had to deal with at the start of their careers. It’s a typical rock and roll problem, I would argue.

Bruce Springsteen: Roll of the Dice

Nicknamed “the Boss,” legendary singer Bruce Springsteen is known for his heartland rock style. What made him rise to fame was his ability to incorporate themes of American identity, working-class struggles, and personal redemption into his music.

The singer-songwriter is also recognized and cherished for his energetic live performances. His ability to connect with his audience through his heartfelt music is palpable.

Released in 1992 as a part of his album “Human Touch,” Springsteen’s song, Roll of the Dice, combines the themes of gambling with taking risks in relationships. The song is riddled with gambling references and metaphors.

Bruce didn’t write the song

It’s worth noting that this was the first song Springsteen wrote with another writer, namely Roy Bittan, the pianist of Springsteen’s primary backing band, which had been disbanded by then.

Once again, incorporating brilliant metaphors into the song’s lyrics, the singer talks about how he has been an unlucky gambler. He’s frequently losing and rolling snake eyes. Be that as it may, that does not deter the optimistic romantic.

According to the singer, even if you have constantly been throwing snake eyes, it doesn’t matter. There is always a possibility your next roll may be a seven (at least in the romantic sense).

Put simply, he knows there is still a chance for his luck. It might still turn around and that it’s just a matter of time. As with many of his other works, a romantic interest is involved, and their love is merely a roll away. The singer acknowledges his past mistakes but insists that “tonight,” he’s playing for “all of the stakes.”

Using gambling references like the “tables are waiting,” he urges his love interest to unite with him. While we at GambleBoost encourage our readers to practice responsible gambling and never chase their losses, this song speaks to the romantic element of gambling. The concept being that your whole mood can change in seconds.

Iron Maiden: The Angel and the Gambler

Of course, for all the heavy metal fans out there who are gambling enthusiasts, I would be remiss not to mention “The Angel and the Gambler” by none other than Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden is undoubtedly one of the most iconic heavy metal bands ever.

For over four decades, they have delivered powerful, high-energy music (and fantastic ballads) that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Since they often draw inspiration from numerous sources, be it literature, history, or mythology, it wouldn’t be a shock to find out they’ve also explored gambling-related themes in their music. To put it short, the nearly 10-minute song, released in 1998, tells the story of a gambler who is visited by an angel, warning him of the dangers of his addiction to gambling.

It is interesting to note that an “angel” can also refer to a wealthy individual who finances a gambler, allowing them to gamble. This creates a lyrical irony, where the gambler simply ignores the angel’s warning about the dangers of his addiction.

In other words, the song is about taking chances and accepting fate. The singer, in this case, Blaze Bayley, acknowledges his mistakes and is desperate. The singer pleads for a savior to rescue him from the dangerous route he has chosen.

The lyrics also highlight that life is a gamble, a game of chance if you will, and no matter how much we try to plan, we can do nothing to change or predict unexpected outcomes. The singer eventually leaves it up to fate (and the listener) to determine whether he finds salvation or not.

Ray Charles: Blackjack

The next entry on this list is a soulful tune sung by “the Genius” himself, Ray Charles. As a recording artist and performer during the late fifties and early sixties, Charles was a pioneer of a new genre of music called “soul.” This style of music is a fusion of blues, jazz, and gospel music, which brought the singer global fame.

Released in 1955, Blackjack is a song that continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking lyrics and melodic prowess. While discussing subject matter as heavy as life itself, the soulful track perfectly captures the essence of the classic card game Blackjack.

Charles drew inspiration from the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges he faced along the way. The beautiful song represents his personal journey and struggles, enabling him to connect with listeners who have experienced similar circumstances.

Charles eloquently portrays the game of blackjack as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life. Like the game, one can experience success and defeat within moments. Furthermore, the lyrics explore the themes of taking risks as well as the outcomes that follow.

Charles recognizes that life is a game, and we must navigate complex choices with determination and resilience. This song encourages the listener to persevere even amid trials and tribulations. It reminds us that, ultimately, we have the power to shape our own destiny.

Frank Sinatra: Luck Be a Lady

Last but not least on this list of the best gambling songs. It is Luck Be a Lady by the legendary Frank Sinatra. This popular Rat Pack tune personifies Luck as a capricious woman. Frank Loesser penned and composed the song in 1950 for his Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls,”.

It was performed for the first time by Robert Alda, the gambler Sky Masterson in said musical.

Later, it became a signature song for Ol’ Blue Eyes (one of Sinatra’s many nicknames), who also starred in the film adaptation of Guys and Dolls. Sinatra’s unique rendition of the unforgettable song propelled it to become a hit and solidified its position in the annals of music history.

The song tells the story of Sky Masterson, a gambler played by the world-renowned Marlon Brando, who is banking on winning a bet to determine the fate of his relationship with his love interest. That said, Luck Be a Lady is not just about romance, despite emphasizing that aspect in Brando’s performance in Guys and Dolls.

The song’s lyrics also highlight the belief that certain things are beyond our control. We can only put our best foot forward and stay optimistic about what lies ahead. The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “Luck be a lady tonight,” thus expressing the singer’s wish for a stroke of luck, for things to take a turn for the better.

Do You Agree With Our List of best gambling songs ?

As you can see, throughout history, numerous musicians used their inspiration to write songs where gambling is often a metaphor. Be it Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” and Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas.” All these songs have perfectly captured the essence of gambling and its impact on our lives.

Whether it’s the possibility of winning or losing everything, the thrill of taking risks, or the power of deception. Gambling has always fascinated musicians. Conversely, these songs have entertained and taught us valuable life lessons. Moreover, many of these songs have also touched our hearts through their vulnerable lyrics.

Whether you are a fan of pop, country, blues, or rock ‘n roll. There’s a best gambling song out there for everyone. So, what is your favorite gambling song of all time?

Let’s talk about it in the forum.