A highly recommended classic gambler’s tale.įear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S Thompson (1971)

It was written in only 30 days, and you’ll read it in far less. It feels as if it is almost autobiographical, and the events in the novel closely follow those of the author’s own life. The novel provides a fascinating insight into casinos of that era, and you don’t need to be a fan of Dostoevsky to enjoy it. It’s told from a first-person perspective, about the highs and lows of the roulette table, personal dramas, and tumultuous love affairs. Dostoevsky’s The Gambler is a rather short read and reflects the author’s own obsessions with gambling. This classic 19th-century novel is a must-read. The Double and The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1867) Casino Royale received a very positive response from critics and remains one of the most iconic casino-based novels of all time. Of course, things take an unexpected, and violent turn, with betrayal and intrigue following on from the game. The story sees Bond involved in a rather intense game of baccarat at the fictional Royale-les-Eaux casino in Northern France, as he tried to bankrupt the villainous Le Chiffre, aided by sidekick Vesper Lund and CIA colleague Felix Leiter. So if you’re looking for a riveting read on the beach this summer, here’s our selection of the best novels set in casinos.Ĭasino Royale was Fleming’s first novel, and the first ever James Bond adventure, kickstarting the exciting world of MI6 Secret Agent 007 and paving the way for more than 70 years of spy action, including eleven novels and two collections of short stories from Fleming, as well as many other continuations of the story by other authors.

Sadly no acclaimed casino-themed novels set in Blackpool… yet… We wanted to look at some of the best novels that depict life in a casino, from roulette in 19th-century Russia to drug-fuelled investigations into the American Dream in 1970s Las Vegas, with tales taking us to Atlantic City, France, Greece, and Hollywood. The stakes are usually high, and there’s a cast of characters that many casino regulars will possibly recognise from the interesting and varied people they will have encountered, whether that’s at the slots or facing off at the poker table. From Casino Royale to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to Molly’s Game, there are so many thrilling novels featuring the highs and lows of the casino world that make for some highly entertaining and enthralling reads.

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