British Comedy Guide
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British comedy episodes about gambling

Only Fools And Horses. Image shows left to right: Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst), Del (David Jason)

Most comedy is a bit of a gamble... will the joke you're telling, or the comedy drama you've made, actually find favour with its audience? However, in this article we're looking at the act of gambling with money rather than with reputation, the sort of betting which is regulated by the Gambling Commission (well, unless it's a gambling den that is, which some of these examples are).

So, yes, here are some sitcom episodes which have actually focused in on the act of risking your finances:

Only Fools and Horses - A Losing Streak (Series 2, Episode 3)

In this episode Del Boy engages in a high-stakes poker game with Boycie, risking everything in a tense showdown. The show has long remained one of the most popular sitcoms in the UK's comedy history, and this episode features a particularly classic scene. If Del & Co had considered using NonGamStopBookmakers.net betting sites then all their dealings would have been above board - there's no extra dodgy ace cards in online environments!

Porridge - The Hustler (Series 1, Episode 2)

In this episode of the prison sitcom, Fletcher organises an illicit gambling operation within the prison, cleverly navigating the watchful eyes of the guards. Well, for a while. It isn't too long before Mr Mackay and Mr Barrowclough have clocked what is going on in the boiler house and making moves to shut it down.

Are You Being Served? - Gambling Fever (Series 10, Episode 4)

In this episode, which came towards the end of the long-running shop-based sitcom's run, the staff of Grace Brothers pool their money to bet on a horse race. Lured by the chance of hitting it big on a "dead cert", the staff invest heavily... however the big question is how they are going to watch the race see if they win. We won't spoil the ending - seek it out to see whether their horse came in or not.

Yus, My Dear - Gambling Fever (Series 2, Episode 1)

Yus, My Dear. Image shows from L to R: Lil Briggs (Queenie Watts), Wally Briggs (Arthur Mullard), Molly (Valerie Walsh), Benny Briggs (Mike Reid). Copyright: London Weekend Television

This 1976 sitcom starring Arthur Mullard, Queenie Watts, Mike Reid and Valerie Walsh also featured an episode about winning and losing money. After being caught running a gambling den at home, the characters of Wally and Benny face strict household restrictions but continue to seek betting opportunities.

Jeeves And Wooster - The Purity of the Turf (Series 1, Episode 3)

Quite a gentle version of gambling here, in the comedy starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry: The episode we've selected here see Bertie and Bingo placing bets on village fair events, only to discover the games are rigged, prompting the always-dependable Jeeves to intervene.

Black Books - A Little Flutter (Series 3, Episode 4)

This episode demonstrates the dark side of uncontrolled gambling. Bernard becomes addicted to gambling after a small win on the Grand National, leading to escalating debts and desperate measures. Soon horses are not enough for him and he joins a poker game involving people you really wouldn't want to mess with.

Sunshine

Sunshine. Bing Crosby (Steve Coogan)

It's worth us pointing out that all the episodes of this this 2008 comedy drama starring Steve Coogan focus around the topic. The central character, Bing, grew up as one of the most likeable people around, however his gambling develops into something more serious and soon it's no longer just a few quid that Bing stands to lose - potentially, it's everything.


So there's a selection of episodes where you can see sitcom characters risking their money. Just as these comedies convey the emotions of gambling, non GamStop casino offer UK players an unrestricted way to enjoy casino gaming beyond the limits of self-exclusion schemes. But, if you've watch these episodes, you'll be aware that that is a very slippery slope to head down: so pay attention to the fate of those above!


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Published: Friday 21st March 2025

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