8 Classic Songs about Gambling

Some artists you may recognize, and some maybe not. Either way, you can expect to enjoy what these lyrics have to say, and, perhaps, even encourage a sing-along at casino tables, slots, or simply online. These are songs about gambling, winning, and losing, and you would be surprised at who all has joined forces with cards, craps, or poker.

ABBA – The Winner Takes it All

One of the most famous bands in history has created a song based on winning and losing. This heartfelt song about gambling and risking it all, is more about loss than winning. Ultimately, ABBA is saying one must resign him or herself to the hard truth that eventually we all lose. As depressing as it sounds, this song could be used to go against all odds and prove ABBA wrong. The lyrics are as follows:

“I’ve played all my cards
And that’s what you’ve done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play”

AC/DC – The Jack

There is no mistaking the fame behind one of the greatest bands of all time. ACDC is an internationally recognized band, much like the game of poker they sing of in The Jack. The words:

She gave me the queen
She gave me the king
She was wheelin’ and dealin’
Just doin’ her thing

She was holdin’ a pair
But I had to try
Her deuce was wild
But my ace was high

This speaks of him thinking he would take the hand, underestimating the woman he speaks of.

But how was I to know
That she’d been shuffled before?
Said she’d never had a royal flush
But I should have known

Ultimately, the lead singer from AC/DC, Brian Johnson, had his rear end handed to him by the lucky lady who held the Jack. You can almost laugh at this song about gambling.

BB King – Gamblers Blues

BB King is one of the world’s most iconic singer-songwriters to date. He was one of the best blues artists, touching souls as he sang. Here BB King takes words about gambling and turns them into a soul song. He sings:

Oh, I don’t claim to be no gambler people
Oh, I don’t know much about the dice
Yes, I don’t claim to be no gambler people
I tell you I don’t know much about the dice
Oh, but I wait and my baby knows
She knows I’m not the kind that’s gonna crap out twice

In the last line, he refers to the game of craps, an incredibly popular casino table game at both online and land-based casinos. It is a high-paced game and it leads a person to believe that this song had the same intention of falling in love and getting that heart rate up.

Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas

It goes without saying, Elvis Presley was the king of rock and roll. His words warmed the hearts of all the pretty ladies, and men around the world admired him, probably more so after his hit song Viva Las Vegas. The lyrics:

Oh, there’s blackjack and poker and the roulette wheel
A fortune won and lost on ev’ry deal
All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas

In this gambling song, Elvis refers to his love of Vegas. Rather than your conventional love song, a song between a man and woman, Elvis sheds light on his adoration for the biggest gambling hub in the world; Vegas baby!

Leonard Cohen – The Stranger Song

You might know him from singing “Like a Bird on the Wire”, but in truth, Leonard Cohen was a musical genius that created many hits far better than the above-mentioned song. The Stranger is evidence of this and refers to self-reflection, a truly deep meaning to anyone who understands the gambling song lyrics. Here is one part of the second verse.

And then sweeping up the jokers that he left behind

You find he did not leave you very much, not even laughter

Like any dealer he was watching for the card that is so high and wild

He’ll never need to deal another

The song continues to describe a person with self-conflict, a way to attempt to govern oneself, and what better way to describe this than referring to a game of poker, one of the casino’s most favoured casino table games.

Garth Brooks – Workin’ on a Full House

As far as what sultry love songs go, Garth Brooks is a magic man. In this song, he refers to his situation as a game of poker, and it would seem lady luck is on his side.

So draw the curtain, honey, turn the lights down low
We’ll find some country music on the radio
I’m yours and you’re mine
Hey, that’s what it’s all about
Yeah, we’re two of a kind
Workin’ on a full house

Lordy, mama, we’ll be two of a kind
Workin’ on a full house

This song is a country gambling song with strong lyrics that would make any casino enthusiast feel the same kind of luck that resonates in the tune of this platinum hit.

Kenny Rogers – The Gambler

An old-school classic song from Kenny Rogers includes a game of Texas Hold’em. Here are the self-explanatory lyrics in this verse;

You got to know when to hold ’em,
Know when to fold ’em,
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealing’s done.

The video shows Kenny at a poker table as he sings this song about gambling. It’s a moving song that will inspire skill in any player interested enough in learning the game.

Motorhead – Ace of Spades

Another iconic band,  leaning more on the metal side of life, is Motorhead. Ace of Spades is truly a song about gambling that illuminates the undertone that life is a gamble. In fact, the song is so strong, the full lyrics are below just to feel the full beauty of it all:

If you like to gamble
I tell you, I’m your man
You win some, lose some
It’s all the same to me

The pleasure is to play
Makes no difference what you say
I don’t share your greed
The only card I need
Is the Ace of Spades
The Ace of Spades

Playing for the high one
Dancing with the devil
Going with the flow
It’s all a game to me

Seven or eleven
Snake eyes watching you
Double up or quit
Double stake or split
The Ace of Spades
The Ace of Spades

You know I’m born to lose
And gambling’s for fools
But that’s the way I like it, baby
I don’t want to live forever
And don’t forget the joker

Pushing up the ante
I know you got to see me
Read ’em and weep
The dead man’s hand again

I see it in your eyes
Take one look and die
The only thing you see
You know it’s gonna be
The Ace of Spades
The Ace of Spades, uh

When you are looking for casino movies or songs about gambling, it is uncanny how many there are, most of which have been written by famous rock stars. So, if you ever feel like you need some inspiration before hitting a game of roulette, take a minute to be inspired by a rock legend, a blues magician, or the king of rock n roll.