Whether it’s throwing dice or playing cards, gambling has been around for millennia. Evidence of wooden blocks used for gambling games dates back to 2300 BC, while dice appeared in China and playing cards reached the scene in the 1400s. Today, casinos are much more sophisticated, offering a variety of gaming options for gamblers to enjoy.
Designed to be visually stimulating, casino floors use flashing lights, bright colors and constant movement to create an atmosphere of excitement. This tactic is meant to keep players engrossed and distracted so they won’t notice the odds are heavily against them. Additionally, many casinos play loud music and triumphant sounds to help create the illusion that people are constantly winning. This can lead to players betting more money than they would if they weren’t distracted.
In addition to creating a distracting and exciting environment, casinos also offer comps to keep gamblers playing for longer periods of time. These incentives can include anything from free food and hotel rooms to exclusive events and VIP lounge access. Essentially, casinos offer these perks to make patrons feel valued and encourage them to spend more money.
Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) operates the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas and funnels money back to his mob bosses back east, but he’s not above skimming some of the profits himself. He also takes a chance on streetwise chip hustler Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), who he thinks can keep him out of trouble, even if she turns out to be as big a mob scumbag as her husband Nicky Santoro.
Despite its dark subject matter, Casino is not only entertaining but also informative. From the real-life gambling history of Sin City to the fanciful depictions of casino life, this film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of a city that was built on vice.
Although Scorsese is known for his loosely plotted movies, Casino was well-crafted and clearly told. In fact, it was probably the clearest of all of his mob films in terms of establishing its characters and their relationships.
Although there have been a lot of movies set in Las Vegas, none have captured its darker side quite like Casino. The film’s underlying message is that even the most well-meaning and principled individuals can be tripped up by blind luck. However, it’s important to remember that there are ways to mitigate risk when gambling. By learning more about how the industry works and how to play wisely, you can reduce your chances of losing big. For more tips, read this article on how to minimize your losses at the casino.
