Best Heavy Metal Tracks Inspired By Gambling

Since ancient times, gambling has been entwined with human culture and has influenced many aspects of our life, and heavy metal bands are no exception. Numerous artists have been inspired by the rush of adrenaline and excitement that gambling provides, and as a result, many of their musical works include references to popular games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, or even slot machines. In this article, we’re exploring some of the most popular heavy metal tunes inspired by or related to gambling. Admit it, even if you thought you’d never need this kind of information, you’re slightly intrigued right now. If that’s the case, scroll down and keep reading to discover the titles. 

Ace of Spades – Motorhead

If you started thinking about tracks with a gambling theme since you opened this article, there’s a big chance this was the first that came to mind. Motorhead and their “Ace of Spades” is, perhaps, the most popular heavy metal song about poker and one of its highest-ranking cards. It was released in 1980 and became an instant hit. Not just that, but “Ace of Spades” passed the test of time and maintained its popularity over the years. It is regarded as one of the all-time-best heavy metal tracks and in case you don’t know the lyrics, we’ll help you out. The evident connection between poker and gambling, in general, is highlighted right from the start of the song when Lemmy Kilmister says “If you like to gamble / I tell you, I’m your man”. And, of course, the frequent occurrence of “the Ace of Spades” throughout the track is another tell.

The Motorhead tune also says, “You win some, lose some / It’s all the same to me”, hinting that the real enjoyment comes solely from playing. However, if you’re into casino games and want to increase your chances of a good experience, there’s a website that can help. Casino-bonus.club is the go-to platform if you want to access unbiased reviews, locate trustworthy casinos, and get the best bonuses. 

The Angel and the Gambler – Iron Maiden

The next song comes from another legendary band that earned its place in the heavy metal Hall of Fame – Iron Maiden. With an incredibly-vast discography, the group has one track called “The Angel and the Gamblers” that’s clearly inspired by games of chance. It was released in 1998 and included on the Virtual XI album. The song tells the story of a gambler whose fate hangs in the balance. The adrenaline-filled moments of gambling are depicted as a matter of life and death, while the gambler hesitates before rolling the dice. However, as soon as he does so, fear consumes him, and he becomes overwhelmed, unable to pull out of the game.

The track’s meaning can be interpreted in numerous ways. For starters, it can serve as a powerful example of how gambling can be an addictive pastime. And it’s well-known that the band has gone through several struggles with addiction. If you’re not such a big fan of the idea that Iron Maiden wanted to raise awareness related to the damage done by gambling, here’s a different approach. “The Angel and the Gambler” is actually about how numerous decisions taken throughout life can have unexpected consequences and effects. 

Deuces are Wild – Aerosmith

Aerosmith gave us the third and final track with lyrics that are clearly influenced by gambling. The song is named “Deuces are Wild”, it was launched in 1994, and you don’t need to hear more to understand the poker reference in this one if you’re into table games. However, in case you have never played poker or heard the “Deuces Wild” term, there’s nothing to worry about. We’re here to deliver complete information and tell you that the expression refers to a special gameplay mode for certain poker games. For example, you can find it in Five-Card poker, which means that a deuce (a pair of 2s) can replace the other suit chosen by the player. 

Getting back to the song, it doesn’t necessarily point out a specific gambling scenario or situation. It’s not as direct as the other tracks presented above. However, the clear poker references in the title and across the lyrics earned “Deuces are Wild” a well-deserved spot in our list. 

Other Songs Inspired by Gambling

We’ve picked just three tracks that are true to the heavy metal genre and contain evident references to gambling. However, if we expand the horizon a bit and look at other rock songs with the same influences, there are many more examples. “The Jack”  from AC/DC, “Smoke on the Water” from Deep Purple, or even “Poker Face” from Lady Gaga can complete our list. 

Final Thoughts 

Heavy metal music has a long history of incorporating gambling themes into its lyrics. From Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” to Iron Maiden’s “The Angel and the Gambler” and Aerosmith’s “Deuces are Wild,” these songs offer a glimpse into the adrenaline-fueled excitement of playing games of chance and there are many heavy metal stars who are avid casino players themselves. These tracks showcase the influence that gambling has had on human culture and entertainment over the years.