In What Movies Does James Bond Play Blackjack?

Photo: Jason Swaby

Whenever the name “James Bond” is mentioned, people imagine all the action, casino, and stylish suits. This may be right when it comes to what the best casino movies are made of. 

The James Bond legacy is an old one, which has been passed down from movie to movie and from one franchise to another. Meanwhile, fans love casino movies that can bring all the casino action and suspense to the screen. 

When it comes to exploring the glamor of online blackjack real money, people love it when James Bond plays their favorite casino game and wins it, positioning himself as a sophisticated gambler with top-notch skills. Blackjack is truly something that the 007 agent has played effortlessly.

So, let’s get into the heart of casino action and dive into the best and only movie in which James Bond has played blackjack with passion:

License To Kill 

Bond played blackjack in only one film. License to Kill, released in 1989, is the first and only movie in which Bond was shown playing blackjack. Being the first ever James Bond movie filmed in the United States instead of the usual UK setting, the storyline is what makes this movie super interesting.

When the news of his friend dying due to murder hits Bond, he immediately starts seeking the man who killed his dear friend. He stumbles upon the information that the culprit is a well-known casino owner, Franz Sanchez.

Asking for a blackjack table of his own at the casino, Bond quickly realizes that he’ll be causing much discomfort in the environment through his casino wins that are needed to capture the antagonist’s attention. Sanchez finds it incredibly displeasing to see Bond winning $250,000, as he’s being watched from the control room.

You might think it is easy to win a blackjack game but think again! The game requires drawing closer and closer to 21 with the cards you have on your hands while keeping in mind you’re at odds against the dealer. 

Many people around the world play blackjack but don’t even nearly make as much money as Bond easily did in the movie. It takes a whole lot more effort to be able to pull off what James Bond did!

James Bond Origin

To understand James Bond’s love of casino games, especially blackjack, we have to take a look at its origin.

James Bond originally started as a novel by Ian Fleming in 1953, who died a decade after he wrote his best-selling novel “Casino Royale”. It sold so well that he had to write more to publish more James Bond stories. 

The inspiration is believed by people to have come from British Intelligence agents. But Bond’s name generally came from the real-life American ornithologist James Bond who studied Caribbean birds and later in 1936 published the book “Birds of the West Indies”.

Many decades later, James Bond movie fans now consider Daniel Craig as the best actor who played the role with seriousness, dedication, and integrity. The movies have now won several BAFTA awards which clearly show the hard work that goes on behind showing Bond’s love for blackjack on-screen.

Blackjack History

Blackjack, also known as twenty-one throughout history, has inspired many casino movie scenes. In 1994, a law was passed that allowed gamblers to play online blackjack, especially with the technological revolution introducing computers for players.

Nowadays, regular promotions and certain offers are given to players to invite them to play for longer online and feel motivated to win. This happens to be a huge difference and a more convenient option considering the in-person blackjack that originated in the 1700s in France

The world now has so many books, papers, and strategies on how to win a blackjack game successfully. Whether you’re James Bond or playing online, beating the dealer in a blackjack game can be arduous. This is why players all over the world deeply study the hand calculations and techniques that come in handy when trying to beat the dealer.

With all of that said, James Bond sure happens to make it seem effortless in the classic 1989 movie “License to Kill”. He’s not only played blackjack but also craps, Texas Hold’em Poker, and even baccarat. 

All of the games played with his quick-witted personality and demeanor bring the glamor to the screen.

The Takeaway 

License To Kill (1989) might be the only movie when James Bond plays blackjack, but it’s still worth your time to watch it. Not only do you get to experience the wonderful storyline and the clash between Bond and the villain Franz Sanchez, but the intense action scenes where Bond is seen running are worthwhile too! 

It is the movies of the last century that have led to the amazing character development of Bond which is felt and experienced by audiences today. Blackjack remains one of the most exotic casino card games that people love to play to this day.