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Gambling’s Rise in UK Pop Culture: A Deep Dive

3 December, 2024

Gambling in pop culture is a big deal, especially since celebrities started expressing their interest in gambling, even to the point of sharing their bets online! Pop culture is defined as a collection of cultures that all generations find interesting, and over the years, iGaming has become ingrained into the general population’s entertainment culture. 

Betting might be a controversial subject, but gambling culture has evolved into a recreational choice for millions of people all over the world. Even more interesting is the fact that various aspects of gambling cater to different age-group.

Gambling in music

From the days of Kenny Rodgers with ‘The Gambler’ to Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’, we have seen many iconic music videos set with a gambling theme. Furthermore, we see this in various gambling themes, including hip-hop or rap, rock, country and pop music. The artists sing of relatable events and real-life events that fans can enjoy, like success, heartbreak, romance and money. 

Here are some iconic songs with gambling themes and scenes:

  • 24k Magic (Bruno Mars) – With over 1.5 billion views on YouTube, this song depicts Bruno and his friends having a good time at Fremont Hotel & Casinos and the MGM Grand. In addition to driving luxurious cars to the casino and dancing on the floor, the group also plays games like roulette!
  • Waking Up in Vegas (Katy Perry) – The song is about a wild night with her love interest in Las Vegas, the epitome of land-based casinos. In the video, they play slots, gamble on roulette and have fun in other casino games. They even get substantial winning streaks, which is quite exciting for gamblers.
  • Vegas (Doja Cat) – Being one of the top female rappers in the world, Doja Cat’s Vegas song did well in representing casinos in pop culture. 

Gambling in movies

Film is a huge part of pop culture, so it’s refreshing to see gambling scenes and themes strongly represented in movies. What’s better, filmmakers are showing us different aspects of gambling and incorporating it with everyday activities and issues that viewers can relate to. 

Recent reports show that 77% of Brits regularly watch a movie. Moreover, according to statistics by the UK Gambling Commission, 43% of the UK population loves to gamble and participates in gambling every month. 

In the United States, about 66% of adults watch films, and around 49% of all participate in some form of gambling. 

Therefore, the film industry has had to find a way to create movies and TV shows that cater to this gambling demographic in Britain, America and gamblers all over the world.

From old classics to recent releases, fans will find plenty of TV shows and movies entertaining. Here are the Top Netflix films/series about gambling that you can watch today.

Gambling on social media

Gambling on social media

Social media is a big part of our lives, and now, more than ever, players share their betting experiences online. One of the most popular social media platforms for online players is Reddit, where gamblers share their game reviews and tips to win. There are tons of hilarious gambling stories on social media, all of which add a level of connection to everyday lives.

Celebrity endorsements

Celebrity endorsements

Celebrities heavily influence the trends and trajectory of pop culture. Fans keep up with their favourite celebrities’ trends, movements, and lifestyles. Therefore, top celebs partying at casinos or placing bets on gaming events indeed make gambling more attractive to their fans or followers.

If you take a look at our trending article on Celebrities who like to gamble, you will see how public figures like David Beckham, Drake, Floyd Mayweather, Sam Smith, Paris Hilton, and 50 Cent gamble for thousands or millions of dollars.

What is the future of casinos in pop culture?

Pop culture is a fast-changing phenomenon, and new trends emerge every other day. However, gambling will remain a popular recreational activity and pastime for millions of people all over the world. 

Online casinos are facing a massive demand for games, and software development companies are developing new ways to make gambling more exciting. Witnessing the future of casino culture unfold as more immersive gaming elements emerge will be riveting. 

Pop culture has and continues to kindle the world’s passion for sports betting, gambling, and iGaming. Most importantly, responsible gambling initiatives are also being prioritised, which goes a long way toward preventing gambling harm among players.