Here are some important milestones in the history of gambling and casinos.

• In 1387 the French invent playing cards.
• In 1726 The Netherlands forms what is now the oldest lottery still in operation.
• It is believed that the first legal casino opened in Baden, Switzerland, in 1765. The word "casino" is actually Italian and means "little house". Today the casino gambling industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the world.
• In 1941 the El Rancho Vegas Hotel-Casino was built on what would later become the Las Vegas strip.
• Around 1995 the first online sportsbooks and casinos were launched. Since then the Internet gaming business has expanded considerably, and today there are several thousands of online casinos.

Here's a list of some classic gambling related movies. Most of them should be available for ordering online, for example at Amazon.com.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

The most classic poker movie of them all. Steve McQueen is the Cincinnati Kid.
Starring Steve McQueen, Ann Margret, Edward G. Robinson, Karl Malden and Tuesday Weld.

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The Sting (1973)

Probably one of the best and most classic of all gambling related movies. Newman and Redford play two clever con artists seeking revenge against a gangster. Good music too.
Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw.

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Rounders (1998)

The poker movie from the 90s, with John Malkovich as the Russian gangster "Teddy KGB" and Edward Norton in one of his earliest roles.
Starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich, Famke Janssen and Gretchen Mol.

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Ocean's Eleven (1960)

The original casino heist movie from 1960.
Starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Angie Dickinson.

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Indecent Proposal (1993)

A couple goes to Las Vegas to try their luck...
Starring Robert Redford, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.

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Casino (1995)

Martin Scorsese's film about Vegas and the mafia during the 70s. Loosely based on a true story.
Starring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.

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