The Kevin Spacey film held off a slew of newcomers and took in $15.1 million, according to studio estimates from box office trackers Nielsen EDI. The gambling movie has earned $46.5 million in 10 days.

Leatherheads, the George Clooney football comedy, was second with $13.5 million, about $2 million less than many analysts had projected. Clooney is a fan of Preston Sturges-style screwball comedies, though they rarely catch fire with U.S. audiences; his last similar film, 2003's Intolerable Cruelty, opened to $12.5 million.

The Jodie Foster family film Nim's Island was third with $13.3, meeting most projections, followed by Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who with $9.1 million. Horton has earned $131.1 million in four weeks, easily making it the highest-grossing movie of 2008.

The only other wide release movie opening this weekend, the horror film The Ruins, met most expectations with $7.8 million and fifth place.

Hollywood continued is month-long slump as ticket sales dipped 10% from last weekend and 27% from the same weekend last year.

According to Media By Numbers, attendance for this year is down 5% from last year.

Final figures are due Monday.

Enlarge Sony Pictures Entertainment Jim Sturgess, left, Jacob Pitts, Liza Lapira, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey star in 21.

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