James Bond casino scenes are a staple in the iconic spy movie franchise. These scenes showcase Bond’s love for cocktails, cars, beautiful women, and exotic locations. Not only are his casino visits for fun, but they also serve as a means to gain information about his enemies or run surveillance on a target.
Bond’s Favorite Casino Games
Baccarat is Bond’s game of choice in most novels and movies. This easy-to-play game appeals to upper-crust players and is often featured in glamorous casino scenes. Bond always seems to draw the right card, making him a winner every time. However, his casino visits are not limited to baccarat, as he also plays blackjack and backgammon in other movies.
In the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery’s Bond is seen playing craps in Las Vegas. Dressed in his signature tuxedo and accompanied by his female companion, Plenty O’Toole, Bond takes the dice and rolls a 10. Betting big on himself with full odds on the 10, an additional $200 on the hard way 10, and even more action on the table, Bond walks away with a $50,000 win, minus a nice tip for the dealers and $5,000 for Plenty.
Bond’s Signature Cocktail
Bond’s favorite cocktail is a martini, shaken not stirred, which he orders at the casino. This classic drink has become synonymous with the character and adds to the overall coolness of the James Bond casino experience.
Fleming’s Inspiration for Bond’s Casino Scenes
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was inspired by his own experiences as a member of British naval intelligence. One such experience was his trip to the Casino Estoril in Portugal, where he played chemin de fer and claimed to have lost to a chief German agent. This real-life event likely influenced the creation of Bond’s casino scenes, including his first novel, Casino Royale, where Bond plays against the criminal Le Chiffre in a casino in the fictional town of Royale-les-Eaux, France.
Bond’s Connection to the Number 7
Bond’s secret code number, 007, almost seems designed by Fleming to harken to some time at the gambling table. Seven is a significant number when it comes to playing craps. Roll a 7 on the comeout roll and everyone with a bet on the Pass Line is a winner. Roll a 7 after a point number has been established and everyone is a loser.
In Bond’s favorite game, baccarat, a 7 is a solid hand that doesn’t receive an extra card. A natural is an 8 or 9 for an almost guaranteed win. However, a 7 is still a strong hand. Bond faces similar ups and downs in his adventures, facing global criminal enterprises, Russian operatives, and notorious villains like Goldfinger, Blofeld, and Le Chiffre.
Legacy of James Bond Casino Scenes
The Bond books will celebrate 70 years in 2023, and other authors have taken up the mantle of telling Bond’s stories since Fleming’s death in 1964. Numerous other books have been published, and a new trilogy is set to begin in the fall of 2023.
In 2022, James Bond films celebrated 60 years on the silver screen, producing more than $7 billion in box office receipts. The next film will introduce a new actor to the role after Daniel Craig’s departure following No Time to Die and five turns as the superspy.
Whoever takes up the pistol and dons the tuxedo next, it’s a good bet Bond will find time for some casino gaming on his next mission. With Bond’s track record of winning, who could blame him? In conclusion, James Bond and his love for the casino have become synonymous with everything cool. Bond’s casino scenes are always glamorous, with tuxedos, glamorous gowns, and beautiful women, making the James Bond casino experience a timeless and thrilling aspect of the franchise.