Casinos are places where fun is guaranteed. The lights, music and sound of coins clinking in the machines and laughing players around tables provide an atmosphere that can make even the most jaded gambler smile. The casinos themselves are like a small-scale version of heaven with their lavish decor, sparkling statues and details, and the sense of excitement that permeates every inch of space.
But while the opulence and neon signs may lure people in, they wouldn’t exist without games of chance. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, craps, keno and other popular games account for the billions in profits casinos rake in every year.
Although the casinos’ success depends on games of chance, they are also heavily dependent on elaborate surveillance systems. They employ cameras that can see all the way to the edge of a table, and even adjust their focus on specific suspicious patrons, so security workers can keep a close eye on everything. The casinos also use video feeds to monitor their slot machines, and they use sophisticated algorithms to determine how much to pay out and when.
Unlike other movies that may only show the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Casino is a more in-depth look at what makes Vegas tick. It lays bare the city’s roots in organized crime and its past ties with the Chicago mob and Midwest mafia. It also gives us a glimpse into the world of Vegas gambling with its high stakes, fast-paced action, and the sense of danger that’s inherent in any game of chance. And it features some of the best performances by Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone, making it one of Scorsese’s greatest films.