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It started with a conversation at the pub about the music punters like to listen to when they are preparing for a race day, or analyse a match. It ended in a vicious debate about what the best gambling songs are.

So, we’ve had a crack at trying to settle the debate, once and for all!

10. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley

Kick-starting the list with the King, Elvis.

His ode to America’s great gambling town, Las Vegas, is as catchy as it is iconic.

9. Midnight Rambler – The Rolling Stones

The Stones have so many great songs that resonate to the punters. Tumbling Dice was on the short list but we have decided to part with the grunt of the Midnight Rambler.

“Talkin’ ’bout the midnight gambler. The one you never seen before”

Appearing on the Stones’ 1969 album, Let It Bleed. Midnight Rambler oozes style and swagger.

8. Ace Of Spades – Motorhead

The maniacs at Motorhead nailed it with this rocking classic that appeals to the poker players out there.

7. Desperado – The Eagles

Eagles songs are littered with wagering references, so picking one for the list was tough.

Both Glenn Frey and Don Henley were noted card players, Frey even invented the game, Eagle Poker!

Frey and Henley found synergies between love and gambling in Desperado and that very song has made it onto our list!

Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She’ll beat you if she’s able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can’t get

6. Luck Be A Lady – Frank Sinatra

All punters call upon a little lady luck from time to time.

This classic that featured in the movie Guys and Dolls is one of Sinatra’s most famous

5. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

This song has been flogged to death but its roots as a proper gambling tune are undeniable.

You’ve 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 dealin’s done
Every gambler knows
That the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away
And knowin’ what to keep
‘Cause every hand’s a winner
And every hand’s a loser

If you’re between the ages of 21 and 61 and don’t know this song – chances are you’ve been living under a rock.

4. Still The Same – Bob Segar

It is clear that Bob Segar loved a punt.

The Detroit native references gambling in many of his songs.

You always won every time you placed a bet
You’re still damn good, no one’s gotten to you yet

You always said the cards would never do you wrong
The trick, you said, was never play the game too long
A gambler’s share, the only risk that you would take
The only loss you could forsake
The only bluff you couldn’t fake

*Side note, if you discover the Rod Stewart version of this song like we did, throw it in the bin.

3. Money – Pink Floyd

Punters love cash. Hell, everyone loves cash!

This classic rock tune from the 1973 iconic album Dark Side Of The Moon is all different types of cool.

2. House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals

One of the best songs of all time just happens to have a cracking gambling reference in it.

My father was a gamblin man
Way down in New Orleans
Now the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and a trunk
And the only time you keep him satisfied
Is when hes all a drunk

Film clip below is all class, as well!

1. Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – Bob Segar

Yep, Big Bad Bob gets the double play!

Bob burst onto the rock scene way back in 1969 with his first studio album Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man that of course led with the title track.

A song arguably better performed live – it has all the energy and swagger you want in a punting song. Enjoy!