Gambling, in one form or another, has been a part of human civilisation for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder that the topic comes up in popular music. In one form or another, whether it’s a metaphor comparing a romance to a game of poker, an ode to the joys of gambling, or a romp about Las Vegas, there are songs in every genre relating to casinos and betting.
Whether you love contemporary pop music, heavy metal or old school hip hop tunes, here are ten of the best gambling songs – perhaps to add to your casino music playlist while you play your favourite NetBet online casino games!
1. Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas
Let’s kick things off with this 1963 classic – the soundtrack to Elvis’ film of the same name, the hit Viva Las Vegas has endured much longer than the King’s acting efforts. The song, which celebrate the glitz and glamour of Vegas casinos, is known all over the world, and has been performed by many other artists including ZZ Top, The Killers and the Blues Brothers.
2. Juice Newton – Queen of Hearts
This classic country romp from the 80’s is irresistibly catchy and fun. Juice Newton covers this Hand DeVito classic which compares being open about your feelings – wearing your heart on your sleeve – to a card game. ‘The joker ain’t the only fool who’ll do anything for you’, suggests she might have other options when it comes to love, and she knows she might get hurt, but she can’t help falling back into the game again and again.
3. Macklemore – Thrift Shop
Not technically about gambling, but Macklemore’s 2012 hit is all about attaining a wealthy lifestyle without actually having the cash to achieve it. It’s playful, ridiculously catchy and full of good vibes – something every gambler needs once in a while, and is a great backing track to your favourite video slot games.
4. Lady GaGa – Poker Face
It’s hard to believe this massive synth-pop hit is 12 years old. The song is from GaGa’s first album and has quite an ambiguous meaning behind it, but the general consensus is that it has to do with having a ‘poker face’ when it comes to sexuality and love in order to play the game and win. This sing-along casino anthem is the perfect song to get you in the mood for a little flutter…
5. Motörhead – Ace of Spades
This iconic hard rock track is the ultimate Motörhead track to fire you up and get you playing your best game. The notorious singer Lenny compares a relationship with him to a game of cards – you win some, you lose some, but ultimately the ‘dead man’s hand’, the Ace of Spades, is all he’s after. The metaphor is loose, but the energy is strong – another great gambling anthem.
6. Frank Sinatra – Luck Be a Lady
A goldie oldie for those who prefer a classic gambling song, ‘Luck Be a Lady’ takes us back to the 50s and 60s when Sinatra himself was hanging out at Vegas casinos. In this song, which at first glance might seem like a love song, the crooner prays to the gambling gods to make him lucky in his game of cards.
7. Kenny Rogers – The Gambler
This legendary hit from 1978 delivers a great tune as well as a cool story – the mashup of classic country with catchy pop is all about meeting a pro gambler on a train journey, who teaches him a few lessons including ‘You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run’ – words which could apply to both gambling and life in general.
8. Sting – Shape of My Heart
One of Sting’s lesser known hits, ‘Shape of My Heart’ presents a different attitude to gambling. Rather than playing simply to win, Sting sings about the adventure of gambling being a thrill in itself, and whether he wins or loses he enjoys playing because he wants to understand the mysteries of the game. This song is sure to get you in the mood for a cool game of poker…
9. Katy Perry – Waking Up in Vegas
This pop princess brings us one of her most playful tracks with this ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’-inspired tune. The accompanying video is all about a wild escapade in Vegas that might not end how she would like it to… but she sure has fun along the way. Add a bit of Katy to your day, and you’ll wish you were spinning the reels on those slot machines yourself!
10. Dire Straits – Money for Nothing
Finally, this song from the legendary Mark Knopfler is a timeless hit featuring an awesome guitar riff and unique lyrics – the perfect backdrop to any betting game. Although not originally intended as a casino anthem, what could be more fitting that getting ‘money for nothing’, as you spin the reels in the hope of a win?
We hope you’ve found some inspiration for what to add to your casino party music playlist, or at the very least enjoyed revisiting some forgotten classics. NetBet Casino has all the best games to enjoy with the best casino songs!