Most Popular Gambling Songs

Gambling has always been a part of our society, and this is clearly reflected in films, movies and music on the subject. Songs about gambling have always been popular, and you can easily find scores of musical pieces that make reference to gambling or casino games in one form or another.

We take a look at some of the most popular gambling songs enjoyed by millions around the world:

Blackjack by Ray Charles

Legend has it that soul singer, Ray Charles wrote this song in honor of blues guitarist T Bone Walker, after the latter lost his money in a blackjack game.

The song tells the tale of a man who is down and out on his luck in blackjack, and the catchy tune carries the words: “How unlucky can one man be; Well every quarter I get; Lord, blackjack takes it away from me.”

Luck be a Lady by Frank Sinatra

This must be one of the most popular songs sung by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. The song is pure classic, first performed by Marlon Brando  in the 1950’s in the musical Guys and Dolls. However, it was Sinatra’s rendition in later years that made this song so well-known. “They call you Lady Luck; But  there is room for doubt; At times you have a very un-lady-luck way; Of running out.”

The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

This 1978 classic became more than just a country and western hit – it took the world by storm thanks to the velvety voice of Kenny Rogers, and the strong message from the song’s lyrics. The poker gambler in the song gives very fine advice on how his gambling habits could be applied to real life. “You’ve got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them; Know when to walk away and when to run; You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table; There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealing’s done.”

Other popular gambling songs are Billy Joel’s Easy Money, Frankie Laine’s The Moonlight Gambler and Tumbling Dice by the Rolling Stones.