A casino is a place where a variety of games of chance can be played. It is typically an exquisite physical establishment that offers a variety of luxury services to its patrons, such as restaurants, free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery.
In the twentieth century, casinos have grown in sophistication and scope to rival the most luxurious hotels. Some casinos offer a wide range of gaming options, while others specialize in high-stakes gambling for gamblers who are willing to wager large amounts of money. A casino’s profitability depends on the number of people who visit, the amount they spend and their skill level. In addition, the house edge – the mathematical advantage the casino expects to make on each bet – must be taken into account.
Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film Casino is a riveting look at the seedy underbelly of the gambling industry. Robert De Niro is brilliant as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, the mob-connected owner of the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas. Sharon Stone is luminous as Ginger McKenna, the blonde hustler who loves Ace but can’t control her life with her pimp Lester Diamond (James Woods). Joe Pesci and his crew round out the cast of characters that help to keep the movie compelling throughout its almost three-hour run time. Despite being one of the longest movies Scorsese has ever made, Casino never slows down or loses steam and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys watching a good drama.