If you're planning a late-night online poker game (or just sitting back and going over some odds for the weekend's big fight) creating an atmosphere is everything. While snacks, drinks and comfy seating are paramount, the right tunes can really help focus your mind – or create a great vibe for your gaming.
Below are some of the best gambling-related tracks ever made, as well as a few other inspirational tunes, that you can mix and match to create the perfect playlist for gaming.
"On the Nickel" - Tom Waits
Inspired by 5th Street in LA, this lullaby from the gravel-voiced crooner is dedicated to the downtrodden hobos that frequented skid row in the city. The title, 5th Street, will also be familiar to experienced poker players, as it's a poker term for a river. Whatever the title means to you though, it's a great song and stark reminder about the highs and lows of gambling – and life.
"Ace of Spades" - Motorhead
This belter makes no qualms about its subject matter: gambling. While it certainly celebrates the fast-paced, high stakes thrills of cards games, there are a few warnings in there about the dangers and pitfalls too. If you're getting ready for a big night of cards or to hit the casino, this is certainly going to get you in the mood.
"Diamond Jack" - Wishbone Ash
Some classic 70s prog rock is next up from British band Wishbone Ash. A song about an all-or-nothing game of poker is just the thing to get you in the mood for a few hands. And if you're familiar with the game you'll no doubt notice some of the lyrical references to poker scattered amid the screeching guitar solos.
"Huck's Tune" - Bob Dylan
Whatever you think about Bob's quirky vocal skills, there's no denying he's one of the most iconic songwriters of all time. This track was actually written for the film Lucky You, itself a glimpse of the potential pitfalls of poker for money. It's a good one to listen to when you just can't seem to get that winning hand, or just as a reminder that you can always play another day.
"Pokerface" - Ghostface Killa
Ghostface Killa drops in plenty of references to poker, as well as gambling in general, in this track. It even references the World Series of Poker lyrically, as well as with a sample at the start. Another pumping tune to get your evening started or if you're planning your own poker night.