Casino is one of Scorsese’s more violent movies – but it was not done for style or shock value. Instead, the violence was a way of portraying what was true to life in Vegas at the time. The story lays bare the intricate web of corruption that was centered in Las Vegas and had tendrils reaching out to politicians, Teamsters unions, the Chicago mob, and Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City.
The opulence, neon signs, and poker and blackjack tables are all very real in this movie. It does a great job of showing what makes Vegas so compelling to people. Unlike other gangster films that show a glamorous side of Vegas and glamorize the lifestyle, Casino is a more truthful depiction of how fucked up it actually is. The story of the mobster wives and their scumbag husbands is very compelling. It also shows how predatory the mob is to each other – even in their own families. The scene of Nicky being a hound going after Ginger is some of the most well-built scumbaggery in a film ever.
Despite the fact that gambling is a game of chance, casinos are intentionally designed to influence visitors’ behavior. They can have many features, from luxury hotel amenities to event and group business offerings that are key for attracting and retaining customers. It is important for casinos to understand their audience and what jobs they’re “hiring” the casino to do in order to craft effective marketing strategies.
