Music inspired by casino and gambling

The world of casino and gambling have inspired artistic expressions too numerous to count. Among them are countless songs that reference casinos, gambling, and its associated entertainment. Here are a few of the most famous, popular songs in that vein. Do you have any favorites of your own that aren’t on our list? Be sure to tell us below, we’re always looking for more casino information!

Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas

“I'm gonna give it ev'rything I've got / Lady luck please let the dice stay hot”

It’s the epicenter of the casino industry, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is ready to take it: Viva Las Vegas! This classic Elvis song tells the story of a man who’s amped for his big break. At the same time, he knows that there are forces at play that he can’t control: he needs a great deal of luck, too. If any song nails the wild anticipation and nervous excitement of a casino visit, this has to be it.

Motörhead – Ace Of Spades

“Double up or quit / Double stake or split / The ace of spades”

Pick a card, any card: is it the ace of spades you’re thinking about? Chances are that it is, and all because of this absolute thrasher of a song by notorious hard rock band Motörhead. Front man Lemmy screams out a flurry of casino and gambling terms that all allude to the same conclusion: if you’re going to gamble, you better know what you’re doing, or else… We couldn’t agree more!

Kenny Rogers – The Gambler

“You got to know when to hold 'em / Know when to fold 'em”

In this 1978 song by country singer Kenny Rogers, an old gambler imparts some gambling wisdom to a young man. The titular Gambler has seen it all in his long life, and hopes to help young man avoid some of life’s pitfalls. Whether “you’re sitting at the table”, as the gambling man once used to do, or just living your life in general: moderation and modesty are key if consistent success is your goal.

Lady Gaga – Poker Face

“Can't read my, can't read my / No, he can't read my poker face”

Anyone who’s ever played poker should know this much: keeping a straight face after being dealt either an exciting hand or a disappointing one is crucial to poker victory. The over-the-top performance of Lady Gaga’s floor-filler offers a stark contrast to the idea of a poker face. Before you play in a live poker tournament, maybe it’s a good idea to practice that poker face of yours…

Frank Sinatra – Luck Be A Lady

“Stick with me baby, I'm the guy that you came in with / Luck be a lady tonight”

Ol’ Blue Eyes was so popular in Las Vegas that the casinos there stopped spinning for a minute in his honor when word came out that he had passed away. Back in the fifties, this song was one of Sinatra’s signature songs. In it, the singer clamors luck to stay close to him, like a lady whose company he’s enjoying. Whoever your lucky person is, they should deserve the casino glamour!

AC/DC – The Jack

“She'd have the card to bring me down / If she played it right.”

Let’s not focus on what original AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott was actually singing about, but instead marvel at the creative use of casino vocabulary. Queens, kings, aces, a full house, and of course, the jack: “poker straight was her game” indeed. Here, we’ll take the song as a warning: regardless of what game you’re playing, you should look past the quick fun to the possible negative consequences.

Statistics, luck, skill, knowledge, modesty, confidence… Many factors can determine casino success. It’s best to focus on those that you can control to counteract the effect of those you can’t. At Golden Palace Casino & Sports, you’ll find us by your side every step of the way, guiding you with advice to do just that. Make sure that you read our how-to articles and strategy guides for your benefit!