I have been thinking a lot of late about all my favourite songs to listen to whilst gaming. Like many of you, I love some of the classic casino-based songs that I grew up with being played on the radio and in some of the BEST films. It was whilst playing an Elvis Slot game last week that I was reminded of some of the golden oldies of the 60s, 70s and 80s, when Las Vegas was growing in strength and tourist appeal. Much like casino games, the songs recreate an atmosphere of casinos all through words and music, clever huh!

So here are my top 5 that I hope will remind you of good times, like they did me.

1. Ace of Spades, Motorhead, 1980

“If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your man,
You win some, lose some, 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”

If these opening lyrics are not enough to entice you then I don’t know what is! Ace of Spade spent 12 weeks in the UK singles chart in 1980 and is often described as one of the world’s finest guitar-based tracks, with a riff that everyone recognises. It just makes me want to play poker and have the ace in my possession. Its acclaim is still plain to see today, with both FHM and Q Magazine placing the song in the top metal lists of all time!

2. Viva Las Vegas, Elvis Presley, 1964

“Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn,
So get those stakes up higher”

Fun, Fun and more FUN. This song makes me want to dance and quite often I do, just when no one is watching! Originally written and recorded for the film of the same name. This upbeat song is a must for any fan of bright lights, high stakes and casino fun! Watch Elvis in action now and boogie along.

3. BlackJack, Ray Charles, 1955

“Ah let me tell you people
About this blackjack game
It’s caused me nothing but trouble
And I’ve only myself to blame”

Now for something more sombre. This classic 1955 Ray Charles hit conjures up all kinds of dark days of Las Vegas in my mind, it may not be the most upbeat of songs, but it is so atmospheric I just couldn’t leave it off this list. I love listening to this song in the midst of a marathon poker game; it is great for setting the scene.

4. Luck Be A Lady, Frank Sinatra, 1963

“They call you lady luck
But there is room for doubt
At times you have a very un-lady-like way
Of running out”

This song is one of my all-time favorites! Steeped in history and used in hundreds of films, TV etc, this could not be missed off this list. Originally written for the theatre show Guys and Dolls, it didn’t become a breakthrough smash hit, until Frank Sinatra recorded his version in the 1960s. Even if you don’t understand its relationship to the casinos of 1960s America, you will still love this classic. Watch Frank Sinatra performing the hit and see what all the fuss is about.

5. House of the Rising Sun, Bob Dylan, 1962

“There is a house down in New Orleans they call the rising sun
And it’s been the ruin of many a poor girl and me, oh God, I’m one.
My mother was a tailor, she sowed these new blue jeans
My sweetheart was a gambler, Lord, down in New Orleans”

This is another song with a deep and varied history, originally a traditional American folk song, it became a house hold hit when Bob Dylan added it to his debut album. Not the most upbeat of songs, but definitely one that is atmospheric and let’s face it, everyone know the tune don’t they?