From an indie hit with Adam Sandler to an unexpected adaptation of Dostoevsky with James Caan – a selection of movies about sports betting.

In many movies, sports betting is shown in a negative light for artistic purposes. The plots are far from ordinary life, where players choose a bookmaker, register on their website, and receive bonuses—for example, the 'Tennisi' free bet, 'Winline' free bet, or 'Leon' promo code. In cinema, however, the viewer encounters dangers and tragedies resulting from bets placed. And the process of placing a bet itself is fraught with difficulties.

We tell you about some movies about sports betting.

'The Gambler' (1974)

At the beginning of the film, it is shown that anyone can bet on sports, regardless of profession. This is what happened to college professor Axel Freed (James Caan), who got hooked on gambling.

The plot revolves around the professor's gambling addiction. He wins a large sum of money, attracts the attention of the mafia, gets into debt, and faces various dangers.

The film was inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel 'The Gambler'.

'The Bookies' (2003)

College friends Toby, Jude, and Casey come up with a new bookmaking scheme and open a betting shop in their dormitory. The guys' lives improve, and money flows like a river. But the enterprise begins to spiral out of control—there is too much money, and the mafia takes an interest in their business. The students become entangled in a world of violence and match-fixing, from which they must escape.

'Uncut Gems' (2019)

Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is a money-hungry jeweler who stumbles upon a precious opal. The trinket serves as bait for customers and pays off when Kevin Garnett notices it.

The basketball star borrows the opal, leaving his championship ring as collateral. Instead of holding onto the collateral, Howard pawns the ring at a nearby pawn shop and uses the money to place a bet on a Boston Celtics game. Ratner has no idea what this will lead to.

'60 Minutes Sports Betting: Billy Walters' (2011)

A documentary interview with a man considered one of the most successful bettors in history and the 'godfather' of sports betting. For an hour, Billy Walters answers his wife's questions about bookmakers and gambling.

'Life on the Line' (2013)

Another documentary that delves into the specifics of the bookmaking business. The film was shot in real betting shops where employees set odds. In this interview-style film, two Las Vegas bettors—Teddy Covers and Erin Rynning—share their knowledge about betting and how their wagers succeed.