Beneath the varnish of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system. However, there’s one sure thing about gambling: the house always wins.
Casino is a gripping movie from legendary director Martin Scorsese that explores the seedy side of Las Vegas. It portrays the city’s history of mob ties and its current relationship with organized crime while revealing the opulence and glamour that draws people in.
The film stars Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a Jewish American gambling expert hired by the Chicago Outfit to run the day-to-day operations of a casino in Las Vegas. He is aided by his partner, Nicky Santoro (Pesci), and his girlfriend Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a streetwise chip hustler who personifies the city itself.
The movie has a number of memorable scenes, including the infamous car bomb scene and the shocking revelations about Nicky’s past that ultimately leads to his downfall. It also touches on the difficulties of running a casino and the problems with money laundering. It’s an intense movie that never lags or loses its focus. Casino is a must-see for fans of mob movies and for anyone who has ever visited a casino.