A casino is a gambling establishment where people can exchange money for chips to play games of chance. These games can include slot machines, table games like poker and blackjack, and even entertainment shows. The casino also has security to ensure that patrons are of legal age and following rules and regulations. Casinos are designed with one goal in mind: to make money. They do this by thwarting cheating, influencing player psychology, and working the odds to maximize profits. They do all of this with an eye on the bottom line, which is why casinos invest in security and have a team of experts to stop cheaters.
The central story in Casino revolves around mobster Sam Rothstein (De Niro) and his struggle to control the Stardust hotel in Las Vegas, a site of intense competition with rival casino owner Frank Rosenthal (Simon), who is supported by the mob. Meanwhile, mob enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci) heads out west to protect Rothstein and run his own rackets. The film is loosely based on Nicholas Pileggi’s non-fiction book of the same name, which focuses on the history of organized crime in Las Vegas.
Unlike Goodfellas, which delved into the personal lives of its characters with an almost documentary style, Casino is more concerned with establishing the gangster world in which the events take place. The movie lays out the intricate web of corruption that centered in Vegas, with tendrils reaching into politicians, Teamsters unions, and Chicago mob members. It’s a fascinating look at how the mob lost control of a city that once minted billions in gambling dollars each year.
The chemistry between De Niro and Stone is unmistakable, as they both deliver outstanding performances. Their complicated relationship serves as a reminder that no one stays at the top forever. Like many of Scorcese’s films, this is a drama about the inevitable fall from grace.
Another great aspect of this film is the way it demonstrates how casinos are carefully designed with this bottom line in mind. The environment is intentionally designed to be labyrinthine, with no clear paths from one section of the casino to another. Booze is served nonstop, which helps to lower patrons’ inhibitions and cloud their judgment. This combination is a recipe for disaster.
While it isn’t as slick or as fast-paced as some of Scorcese’s best work, this is an important movie about how gambling and organized crime are interconnected. It is a compelling and entertaining movie that should be seen by anyone interested in these subjects. The film is also a good reminder that no one has the right to gamble or spend other people’s money.
