We’ve been creating and listening to music for at least 30,000 years, but when did games and music become intertwined? The only definitive answer we have is that casinos have always played music.
Online casino is one of the most popular forms of entertainment around today. Players can now easily head online to play their favourite casino games with providers ranging from standard casino providers to online slots providers offering slot games, poker providers offering poker games and more. There are many reasons behind the popularity of online casino gaming:
1) Fun – people have sought fun for thousands of years, this is a good way to get some.
2) Easy to play – now anyone with a smartphone (over 18) can access their favourite games in minutes.
3) Continuous innovation – few industries in the world move faster, which means everything looks and feels good to use.
4) The introduction of different ways to play
5) Safety – all trusted sites have a number of safe ways to play for money.
Music and games go hand in hand, which means the popularity of online casino has also impacted songs. When you consider that at least 26% of the world play games for money, that’s a huge audience for musicians.
Many musicians also write from their own experience, which is likely to include gaming. This has led to many songs being written about casinos and their experience.
Which artists are writing songs about casino?
Although it isn’t described as such, casino songs could have their own separate genre of music. However, artists from many different genres release songs about casinos, including:
• Hip-hop stars
• Country musicians
• Pop acts
• Indie bands
• Rock artists
So, it’s possible to find a song about casino in a genre you like. Then you can curate your own soundtrack for when you’re playing your preferred game online.
We’ve chosen five of the best songs about casino to get you started. We’re counting down to the top song.
The Top 5
5. Shape of my Heart – Sting
Although this song is quieter than the others on the list, sometimes you need concentration in the casino. It’s about a card game and some players don’t like too much distraction.
The song is beautifully crafted, a guitar masterpiece with Sting’s soulful vocals on top. The lyrics are metaphorical – dealing with love and vulnerability as well as the surface game of cards.
What is interesting is that he tells the tale of a man who isn’t concerned about winning or losing. There are mysterious characters in every casino, and Sting has obviously come across one.
4. Easy Money – Billy Joel
Picking up the pace is Billy Joel’s title track for the movie of the same name, released in 1983. A piano-driven intro brings us into the song, as Joel charms us with the thought of Easy Money.
This is a man that knows where to get it, he sings:
‘Take me to the tables, take me to the fights,
Run me like the numbers, roll me like the dice.’
When it comes to getting hold of easy money, Billy knows all the ways to do it.
It’s pop/rock at its finest and is a feel-good song to add to your playlist.
3. That Was A Crazy Game of Poker – O.A.R
O.A.R singer, Marc Roberge, explains that the song was inspired by Stephen King’s novel ‘The Stand’. Poker is one of the most popular casino games and it can be played a number of ways.
It’s an upbeat number with an indie/country vibe. Released in 1997, it was an anthem for many people hitting the casino for the next few years.
Anyone who has ever played poker knows that sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down. It’s those crazy games that keep you coming back for more.
2. Ace of Spades – Motorhead
If you like your music fever quick and loud, Motorhead’s heavy rock hit should be on your speakers. It reached no.15 in the UK charts when it was first released in late 1980, but it’s still played regularly.
The Ace of Spades is the highest hand in the deck and considered the most valuable card in poker. If this song is playing during a tournament, you know that the stakes are high.
Lemmy’s signature rock growl is a staple of the track and while he says
“you win some, lose some, it’s all the same to me”
If he’s chasing the Ace of Spades, it seems like he might want to win at the casino that night.
1. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
It couldn’t be anything else in the number one slot, this rock‘n’roll classic simply ignites energy in the listener. It has a catchy melody and infectious rhythm, so it is a good accompaniment to playing.
Elvis’ iconic vocals also capture the spirit of Las Vegas, also known as Sin City. You can’t help but tap your feet and sing along to lyrics such as:
“Oh, there’s blackjack and poker and the roulette wheel,
A fortune won and lost on every deal.”
This is a tribute to the town of neon lights, it grooves along to a pulsating beat, just like Vegas. When Elvis sings about getting those stakes higher, you’re likely to agree.
There could be several honourable mentions on this list, from the likes of The Rolling Stones to Katy Perry. However, this varied selection should start your casino playlist off nicely.
