The "balloon trick" used during the blackjack scam is one of the same diversions used during the heist in Ocean's Eleven (2001). Elliott Gould starred in both.
James Caan and Elliott Gould had previously worked together in Harry and Walter Go to New York.
The famous phrase said by Ed (James Caan) is "No sailor but a fool attacks a fortress" said by Lord Nelson in reference to naval attacks on harbour fortifications.
Ethan says he gets a free meal at Mystique for betting $10 on the Vikings. Josh Duhamel is a Vikings fan.