Author information: Joshua Cramer is a gambling expert at SoCanadianCasino. The website is the go-to resource for all gambling enthusiasts looking to find a collection of the best free slot machines in Canada that come with free spins and no or registration requirements. Our website hosts a directory of $10 deposit casinos and no-deposit slot machines from the most popular slot developers in the industry. Cramer compiled this list of the best gaming songs of the past six decades that gamblers could find in all the top casinos out there.
As gambling sites and online gambling become increasingly common, looking back at these songs brings a sense of nostalgia to all seasoned iGaming players. Even when you’re engaging in online casino gambling at home, you can blast these tunes in the background to create the particular vibe you’d find in a casino. And if you want the best free gambling games to pair up with that feeling, SoCanadianCasino is where you need to look!
Casino Songs in the 50s
1950 | Blues | Life Is Like A Card Game – Joe Turner
1953 | Blues| The Gambling Man – Sister O.M. Terrell
1956 | Jazz/Blues | King of Spades – Peetie Wheatstraw
1957 | R&B/Soul/Blues | Losing Hand – Ray Charles
1958 | R&B/Soul/Blues | Blackjack – Ray Charles
1959 | Rock | One Eyed Jack – Johnny Burnette
1957 | R&B/Soul/Blues | Losing Hand – Ray Charles
Many hits of the 50s talked about gambling in one way or another, with several of them touching upon topics like gambling addiction or gamblers in recovery. The thing about ‘Losing Hand’ by Ray Charles is that while it is one of the best gaming songs of the era, it isn’t about casino addiction. Instead, like several other 50s music hits, it talks about heartbreak and the struggle for love.
In the song, Ray Charles talks about gambling on love and how that game left him with a losing hand. The artist expresses disappointment in his partner’s behavior, which he compares with desert sand because of its continuous changes. It was one of the best casino songs in the 50s and is still widely listened to on Spotify. Like other 50s’ music, it transports the listeners back to the Rock ‘n’ Roll era.
The timeless and cultural value possessed by the song is evident in the fact that it can evoke emotions even decades later. The song expresses feelings that people of all generations can relate to. Charles himself mentioned that he used his personal struggles as an inspiration behind the music, basing it on a deep understanding of the human heart. According to the singer, the lyrics reflect his own experiences, further adding a touch of reality to the words.
‘Losing Hand’ makes it clear that the top casino songs don’t necessarily have to talk about the actual gambling experience because there are a million other euphemisms to bring into play. The song effortlessly contrasts the feeling of love with that of placing a bet, and the comparison strikes a chord close to home each time.
Сasino Songs in the 60s
1962 | Rock/Blues | House of the Rising Sun – Bob Dylan
1965 | Jazz/Blues | Luck Be a Lady – Frank Sinatra
1969 | Country | St. John the Gambler – Townes Van Zandt
1969 | Country/Rock | Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – Bob Seger
1964 | Rock and Roll/Pop | Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
Those who grew up in the 60s will never forget the cultural impact of Elvis Presley and Ann Margret singing ‘Viva Las Vegas’ together. The lyrics pay a stunning homage to the beauty and thrill of Las Vegas, elaborating on the city’s bright lights and vibrant casinos. The song was part of the soundtrack for a film of the same name, in which Margret played Presley’s on-screen love interest. The duet between the two was rich with chemistry and powerful vocals, making it one of the best songs of the 60s.
Presley himself was a massive fan of the show and described it as having a “rousing, infectious tune” that perfectly captured the spirit of Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas was where Elvis and Ann Margret sang together, but that film is not the only media to feature the song. Over the years, it has shown up in several commercials, movies, and TV shows, often covered by other artists who share an equal appreciation for its harmony.
Thus, in addition to becoming a pivotal moment for both singers, the song became a cultural icon over the years. It is hard not to bring it up when discussing 1960s music because it is an inseparable part of that era’s tunes. Owing to Elvis’ popularity in the decade, the team behind the film made a brilliant choice when they decided to bring the singer on board for this particular tune. The presence of Ann Margret added a compelling symphony to the deep, rich voice of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Gaming Songs in the 70s
1972 | Rock | Tumbling Dice – The Rolling Stones
1975 | RockThe Jack – AC/DC
1975 | Pop | Solitaire – Carpenters
1977 | Rock | Lay Your Money Down – Bread
1978 | Country | The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
1978 | Pop/Rock | Roll the Dice – Steve Harley
1979 | Punk | The Card Cheat – The Clash
1972 | Rock | Casino Boogie – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones is one of the most influential bands of not just this decade but probably the entire century. The iconic impact of songs sung by them is visible in pop culture to this day, where several artists of the modern era have covered their music. The band is known for its distinct blend of rock, soul, and blues music, considered iconic even today. Some of the best songs of the 70s were put out by this band, with many also calling it the Age of the Rolling Stones.
As far as ‘Casino Boogie’ is concerned, it is a fast-paced track to match the speed of life in Vegas. It was released as part of the album ‘Exile on Main Street’ and features the signature guitar and saxophone tunes that are a component in many of the Rolling Stones’ 70s songs. The lyrics refer to the thrill of life in Vegas and the deep excitement that it brings.
The exciting thing about the track is that it was never played live by the band but has been covered by other artists like Phish. This showcases the profound influence that the Rolling Stones left on 70s music, that even songs they might have deemed less necessary have managed to be picked up by other artists. While the band usually covered personal relationships and deeper social topics, ‘Casino Boogie’ is not a song to be ignored at all.
Casino Songs in the 80s
1980 | Rock and Roll | Ace of Spades – Motorhead
1981 | Country | Queen of Hearts – Juice Newton
1981 | Rock | Deal – Jerry Garcia
1989 | Country | Ace in the Hole – George Strait
1983 | Alternative/Pop | Easy Money – Billy Joel
1984 | Rock | Playing to Win – Little River Band and John Farnham
1984 | Rock | Gambler – Whitesnake
1985 | Pop | Gambler – Madonna
The song ‘Gambler’ by Madonna is another track that uses the idea of bets as a metaphor for love and relationships, which tends to be a common theme with many of the best gaming songs. The risks and rewards associated with gambling can be perfectly contrasted with the benefits and losses of being in love, which makes this such a popular comparison choice for many romantic songs.
‘Gambler’ is at the top in 80s love songs, with the lyrics referring to a woman who possesses strength and independence and, thus, doesn’t need the presence of a man. The song showcases the singer’s remarkable ability to create catchy and empowering music, a unique blend that is often difficult to come by. It might not refer to gambling in its literal sense, but it adds a particular depth to the topic, making it one of the top casino songs of the 80s.
The song was a part of the official soundtrack for the 1985 film Vision Quest. Even though it was a part of the movie, the song wasn’t adulterated by digital processing, which made Madonna appreciate its ‘pure’ nature. It is one of the earliest hits of the singer’s career and remains popular on Spotify even today. Despite producing songs even today, Madonna’s earlier tunes still command high popularity, which speaks to the singer’s iconic impact on pop culture.
Gaming Songs in the 90s
1990 | Country | Ace of Hearts – Alan Jackson
1992 | Rock | Roll of the Dice – Bruce Springsteen
1993 | Country | A Good Run of Bad Luck – Clint Black
1994 | Rock | Deuces Are Wild – Aerosmith
1995 | Pop | Casino Queen – Wilco
1992 | Blues | Gambler’s Blues – B.B. King
1998 | Rock/Heavy Metal | The Angel and the Gambler – Iron Maiden
1995 | Pop | Casino Queen – Wilco
‘Casino Queen’ is the story of a woman skilled at winning her gambling bets wherever they’re placed. The singer skilfully talks about his addiction to casino games like Blackjack, talking about the overall experience of engaging in gambling. Underneath the lyrics are hidden lessons about the negative impacts of compulsive gambling and thoughts on how gambling addiction can affect a person’s life. The lyrics mention the emotional highs of placing a bet and the lows that may accompany losing.
The standout point in the entire song is the emotional turmoil that one can suffer due to their gambling habits. As enjoyable as the activity may be, if not regulated well, it can cause significant distress to those involved, as well as their loved ones. It’s intriguing to see how one of the top casino songs in the 90s is not about the benefits of gambling but rather the opposite.
This only goes to show that the best gambling songs don’t necessarily have to sing the game’s praises; they just have to accurately depict what it’s like to be in the shoes of a gambler. ‘Casino Queen’ can primarily be classified as alternative rock, but like other 90s classics, it dabbles in several different elements of styles like rock, pop, and country rock. The song was written by
Jeff Tweedy, the band’s lead singer-songwriter, on a suggestion given to him by his father.
Gambling Songs in the 00s
2005 | Country | All I Wanna Do Is Play Cards – Corb Lund
2008 | Rock | House of Cards – Radiohead
2008 | Pop/Hip Hop | Poker Face – Lady Gaga
2013 | Country | Wagon Wheel (Country Remix) – Darius Rucker
2014 | Country/Rock | The Dealer – Stevie Nicks
2015 | Alternative/Indie | Go Big or Go Home – American Authors
2017 | Country | Roll of the Dice – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
2009 | Pop | Waking Up In Vegas – Katy Perry
You don’t need to be at a casino to enjoy ‘Waking Up In Vegas’ by Katy Perry. Even if you cannot relate to the song’s tales, you will find yourself attracted to its unique beat and catchy tunes. Katy Perry is one of the leading female singers of the 21st century, famous for her beats that can make anyone dance. This song, in particular, is about a thrilling night spent in Las Vegas, with the lyrics detailing the city’s unique thrill.
The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make this song a popular choice for casinos, clubs, as well as any other parties. The cheery tune tells the story of a woman who wakes up with a hangover and a new spouse after a wild night in Vegas. The lyrics beautifully capture the feeling of playing the night away in the city, engaging in bold activities that you might have no recollection of later.
In addition to this track by Perry, the 2000s are prolific with several other gambling songs that portray different elements about being in Vegas and placing exciting bets. Songs such as Poker Face by Lady Gaga and The Dealer by Stevie Nicks either reference gambling directly or use it as a metaphor for another closely related topic. All in all, these tracks prove that the presence of a good background song can only amplify one’s gambling experience. Whether you enjoy listening to tunes from the 50s or the 00s, gaming songs are an indispensable part of the casino experience. And if you’re playing at home, do yourself a favor by asking Alexa to play some of these tunes for you.
