A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may also be known as a gaming house, a kasino, or a gambling club. Casinos can be found all over the world and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. There are also some casinos that cater to specific demographic groups, such as the elderly or those looking for a more casual experience.
While some gamblers rely on a system to win, most simply enjoy the thrill of the games. The music blaring, the coins clinking, and the energy in the room all contribute to an exciting environment where people can let loose and be themselves. Casinos offer a variety of games, with new ones constantly being added to the menu.
In 1995, after Goodfellas had entered the public consciousness, Scorsese was ready to launch his next big-screen gamble. Based on the fact-based book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, Casino stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as mob bosses Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro.
The movie is a tour-de-force, showcasing the ruthless underworld of organized crime that thrived in Vegas at the turn of the century. The film also lays bare the complex web of corruption that centered on the mob, with tendrils reaching into politicians, union officials, and Midwest mafia factions.
While the characters in Casino are all mired in greed and betrayal, they all get their comeuppance in the end, illustrating that even the most heinous criminals eventually have to pay their dues. As a result, the movie resonates today, even with audiences who may not be quite as familiar with the mafia as they were in the ’70s.