Casino is one of the best movies from Martin Scorsese. Its three-hour running time doesn’t lag or lose steam and the movie is riveting throughout. Its depiction of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas makes it a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The performances by Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone are impeccable. De Niro is simply amazing as ruthless mobster Ace Rothstein and Stone is equally impressive as sexy blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. Their chemistry is electric. Joe Pesci as mob boss Sam Rothstein is also excellent.
Casinos are designed to create a manufactured blissful experience for gamblers that keep them coming back. The scents of cigarette smoke, baked goods and fresh fruits combined with the dazzling lights and joyful sound of slot machines all work to create a euphoric atmosphere that keeps people gambling.
Another important aspect of casino games is the sense of socializing that they foster. They bring together people from all walks of life who share a common interest in trying their luck at winning big money. Champagne glasses clink and conversation is lively, creating an environment that’s as much about socializing as it is about gambling.
Gambling at casinos is a risky business. Statistically speaking, a patron has a very low chance of winning at any particular game. To offset this, casinos spend a great deal of time, effort and money on security systems. These include high-tech eye-in-the-sky surveillance and cameras that can be directed to focus on a specific table or window from a separate room filled with banks of security monitors.