20 Best Songs About Gambling

Chelsea Cooke

There’s something about gambling that has always captivated the human imagination. Whether it’s the allure of risk and chance or the promise of untold riches, people have been drawn to gamble since ancient times. And as long as there have been gambles, there have been songs written about them.

From classic rock anthems to modern pop bangers, these are the 20 best songs about gambling.

By the way, if you’re searching for more like songs about gambling, check out our articles on songs about boxers, songs about games, songs about luck, songs about molly, and songs about photographs.

Poker Face – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga - Poker Face (Official Music Video)

Poker Face is a song by American pop singer Lady Gaga. The song was released as the second single from her debut album, The Fame, in 2008. The song is about gambling and how it can be addictive. In the song, Gaga sings about how she can’t read people’s faces when they’re gambling. she also sings about how she doesn’t know how to quit, even though she knows she should. The song has been very successful, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Poker Face has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.

The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers - The Gambler

The Gambler is a song written by Don Schlitz and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Rogers. Released in October 1978, The Gambler was popularized by its eponymous 1980 film starring Rogers in his acting debut. Despite not being released as a single until 1979, the song gained significant airplay that year, eventually peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Rogers’ signature song. The Gambler tells the story of a young man who learns lessons about life and love from a seasoned gambler on a train bound for New Orleans.

Last Dollar (Fly Away) – Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw - The Last Dollar (Fly Away) (Official Music Video)

 In the song “Last Dollar (Fly Away),” Tim McGraw sings about the highs and lows of gambling. The song starts off with the narrator winning big at the casino, and he is feeling on top of the world. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when he loses all of his winnings and then some. Suddenly, he is faced with mounting debts and an uncertain future. The song serves as a reminder that gambling can be a very risky proposition, and it is important to be cautious when spending money on games of chance.

The Lottery Song – Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson - The Lottery Song (Audio)

The Lottery Song by Harry Nilsson is a song about gambling. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been gambling for years and has finally hit the jackpot. The song describes the man’s excitement as he realizes that he has won the lottery, and it also includes a warning to other gamblers to be careful with their money. Despite the warnings, the song ends on a positive note, with the man proclaiming that he is going to spend his winnings on a new car and a vacation. The Lottery Song is an catchy tune that is sure to get stuck in your head, and it is also a reminder of the dangers of gambling.

Walking Away A Winner – Kathy Matea

Kathy Mattea - Walking Away A Winner

“Walking Away a Winner” is a song written by Kathy Matea and made famous by country music artist Garth Brooks. It’s a message that resonates with many people, especially those who have struggled with addiction. And it’s a message that can apply to any area of life, not just gambling. So if you’re ever feeling tempted to keep going even though you’re in over your head, just remember: It might be time to walk away a winner.

Love Is a Losing Game – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse - Love Is A Losing Game

Amy Winehouse’s “Love is a Losing Game” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the destructive nature of gambling addiction. The song opens with the line “For you, I was a flame,” signifying the intensity of Winehouse’s love for her partner. However, this flame quickly turns to ashes, as the lyrics describe how gambling took over their relationship.  The lyrics paint a picture of an addiction that consumed both partners, leading to financial ruin and emotional destruction.

Gambling Man – The Overtones

The Overtones - Gambling Man | Official Music Video

Gambling Man is a song by The Overtones, released in 2010. The song is about a man who is addicted to gambling and the problems that it causes him. The lyrics describe how the man feels when he gambling and how it affects his life. The song also contains a message about the dangers of gambling addiction and how it can ruin lives. Overall, Gambling Man is a well-written song that contains an important message about the dangers of gambling addiction.

Still the Same – Bob Seger

Still The Same (Remastered 2011)

Still the Same is a song written and performed by Bob Seger. It was released in 1978 as the lead single from his album Stranger in Town. The song is about gambling and its effects on people’s lives. The narrator describes how gambling can take over someone’s life and lead to financial ruin. However, the song also offers hope, with the narrator saying that there is always a chance to turn things around. Still the Same is a moving ballad with a message that resonates with many people who have struggled with gambling addiction. The song has been covered by several artists, including Billy Joel and Bonnie Raitt. It remains one of Bob Seger’s most popular and well-loved songs.

House of Cards – Tyler Shaw

Tyler Shaw - House of Cards (Official Video)

“House of Cards” is a song by Canadian singer Tyler Shaw. The song was released as a single on March 4, 2014. “House of Cards” is a song about gambling and the risks associated with it. The song describes the feeling of being in over one’s head and the need to take chances in order to win. The gamble referenced in the song is a relationship, and the song speaks to the feeling of being pulled in different directions by love and lust. “House of Cards” is a popular song that has been heard on radio stations across Canada. The song has also been used in television commercials and has been featured in television shows and movies.

A Good Run of Bad Luck – Clint Black

Clint Black - A Good Run Of Bad Luck (Official Video)

Clint Black’s “A Good Run of Bad Luck” is a song about gambling, and specifically the role that luck plays in the game. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been on a losing streak, and who is beginning to doubt his own ability to win. However, the chorus reaffirms his faith in Lady Luck, and he ultimately decides to keep playing. The song is a reminder that gambling is a risky business, but that sometimes the odds can be defied. After all, as the saying goes, you have to be in it to win it. So next time you’re feeling lucky, remember Clint Black’s wise words, and take a chance on lady luck.

Ace of Spades – Motörhead

Motörhead – Ace Of Spades (Official Video)

Ace of Spades is a song by the heavy metal band Motörhead. The song was released in 1980 as a single and reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. It is considered to be one of the band’s most popular and iconic songs. The lyrics of the song are about gambling and winning, with the titular ace of spades being a symbol of good luck. The song has been used in popular culture numerous times, appearing in films, television shows, and video games. It has also been covered by several other artists. Ace of Spades is a classic example of Motörhead’s signature sound, combining elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and punk rock. The song remains one of the band’s most popular tracks and is sure to get any crowd moving.

Desperado – Eagles

Desperado (2013 Remaster)

“Desperado” is a song composed by Glenn Frey and Don Henley of the Eagles. It was originally released on their 1973 album of the same name. The song tells the story of a gunslinger who is trying to make his way in the world. gamble his life away chasing women and cards. The song reflects on the desperado’s choices and how they have led him to a life of violence and loneliness. While the song is clearly critical of the desperado’s lifestyle, it also contains elements of empathy and understanding. The desperado is not simply a villain, but a human being who has made some poor choices in life. In the end, the song offers a message of hope, suggesting that even someone as lost as the desperado can find redemption.

From a Jack to a King – Ricky Van Shelton

From A Jack To A King

“From a Jack to a King” is a song about gambling, specifically poker. The song was written by Ned Miller and first recorded by country singer Ricky Van Shelton in 1987. The song tells the story of a man who wins a poker game, allowing him to “trade in his jack for a king.” The lyrics suggest that the game was fixed, but the narrator doesn’t seem to mind, as he’s now “a satisfied man.” The song became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Country chart and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Van Shelton’s version has since been covered by several other artists, including Elvis Presley and Bon Jovi. “From a Jack to a King” remains one of the most popular gambling-themed songs of all time.

Queen of Hearts – Juice Newton

Juice Newton - Queen Of Hearts

“Queen of Hearts” is a song by American country artist Juice Newton. The song was released as the lead single from Newton’s album Angel of the Morning in 1981. “Queen of Hearts” was written by Hank DeVito, and it was produced by Richard Landis. The song became a major success for Newton, peaking at number one on the Billboard Country singles chart and becoming her only single to reach the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Queen of Hearts” has been covered by several artists, including Emmylou Harris and The Judds. The song is about gambling and how easy it is to get caught up in the highs and lows of the game.

When It Rains It Pours – Luke Combs

Luke Combs - When It Rains It Pours

Composed by Ashley Gorley and Luke Combs, “When It Rains It Pours” is a gambling-themed song that was released in June 2017 as part of Combs’ debut album, This One’s for You. The song became Combs’ first number-one single on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in December 2017. The song tells the story of a man who is down on his luck and decides to gamble everything he has in an attempt to win big.

Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, The Jordanaires - Viva Las Vegas (Official Audio)

Viva Las Vegas is a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, first recorded by Elvis Presley in 1964. The song was released as a single in May 1964 and peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is best known for its opening line, “Viva Las Vegas”, and for its catchy chorus. The lyrics of the song describe a night of gambling and debauchery in the city of Las Vegas. The city is also mentioned in the opening line of the chorus, which proclaims that “everything happens in Las Vegas”. The song has been featured in a number of movies and television shows, including the 1967 film Viva Las Vegas, which starred Elvis Presley. In 2004, the song was ranked #66 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Ace in the Hole – Saint Motel

SAINT MOTEL - "Ace In The Hole"

Ace in the Hole is a song by Saint Motel that tells the story of a gambler who is trying to make his way back to the top. The song starts with the gambler telling his story of how he got to where he is today. He talks about how he was once a big winner, but then he had a streak of bad luck and lost everything. Now, he is trying to get back on track by gambling all of his money on one last ace in the hole. The song then goes into the chorus, which talks about how the gambler is feeling as he waits for his Ace in the Hole to come up. The chorus talks about how the gambler is feeling suspense, excitement, and anxiety all at the same time. The song then ends with the gambler waiting for his ace in the hole to come up, and feeling hopeful that it will help him get back on track.

Lottery – Train

Train - Lottery (Lyric Video)

The Lottery by Train is a song about gambling, specifically the lottery. The song paints a picture of people who are addicted to gambling and how it can ruin their lives. The lyrics discuss how people can become so obsessed with winning the lottery that they will do anything to get their hands on a ticket. They even resort to stealing and begging for money. Ultimately, the gamble doesn’t pay off and the person is left with nothing. The song is a reminder that gambling can be a dangerous addiction that can ruin lives.

Beatin’ the Odds – Molly Hatchet

“Beatin’ the Odds” is a song by southern rock band Molly Hatchet. The song was released in 1979 as the lead single from the band’s second album, Flirtin’ with Disaster. The song is about gambling, and the lyrics tell the story of a man who is down on his luck but keeps on trying to beat the odds. The song became a minor hit, reaching #59 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1981, the band re-recorded the song for their live album, Double Trouble Live, and this version received radio airplay. “Beatin’ the Odds” has been included on several of Molly Hatchet’s greatest hits albums, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.

Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House – Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks - Two of a Kind Working on a Full House HQ

Garth Brooks is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, and “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House” is one of his most famous songs. The song is about gambling, specifically the game of poker. In the song, the narrator is talking to a woman who is dealt a pair of twos in poker. The woman is clearly inexperienced and doesn’t know what to do with her hand. The narrator tries to help her by telling her that she needs to get rid of her high card and replace it with a low card. He also tells her to try to get a full house, which is a three-of-a-kind and a pair. The song is ultimately about taking risks and hoping for the best. It’s a fun, catchy tune that has made Garth Brooks one of the most popular country music artists in the world.