While filming was underway, Omar Sharif was staying at a local hotel, and sent his cousin, who bears a slight resemblance, to tell the director Sharif was at the hotel. The director then rushed the cousin into makeup, mistaking him for Sharif himself.
The film's closing credits state: "The Producers wish to thank the City of New Orleans; Royal Orleans Hotel; Louisiana Film Commission: Phil Oakley, Phil Seifert; Sports Illustrated magazine, and World of Leisure MFG, Co. - Pool Tables."
In the movie's closing credits, the billing of screenwriter Robert Vincent O'Neill is spelled correctly but in the film's opening credits the name is spelled incorrectly as Robert Vincent O'Neil.
Production notes stated that Bruce Boxleitner made his theatrical feature film debut in this movie however the actor had previously first appeared in a cinema movie when he played Bobby Joe in 'Six Pack Annie' (1975). Ironically, he plays a similarly named character called Billie Joe (Robbins) in 'The Baltimore Bullet' (1980).
The nick-name of Nick Casey (James Coburn) was "The Baltimore Bullet".
Michael Sigel: As himself, a pool player, aka Mike Sigel, he was billed as Michael K. Sigel. He was later a technical advisor on 'The Color of Money' (1986).
Willie Mosconi: As himself, a sports-caster. He had previously appeared uncredited in 'The Hustler' (1961) where he had played Willie.
Jimmy Mataya: As self. He later played the friend of Julian (John Turturro) in the Green Room in 'The Color of Money' (1986).
Steve Mizerak: As himself. He later played Duke, the first opponent of Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) in 'The Color of Money' (1986).