Gambling in all its forms, from the casual roll of dice with a buddy to the complex table games of blackjack and baccarat, has been a part of human culture for millennia. Its popularity has always depended on the element of luck, but for many gamblers, there are some tricks that help maximize the chances of winning and minimizing the losses.
Casino is a masterful movie from director Martin Scorsese that takes place in the heart of Las Vegas’ gambling industry. The film’s depiction of the mob-controlled casinos is not only accurate but also riveting.
The movie stars Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, and both deliver outstanding performances. It is not a movie for the faint of heart; it contains plenty of brutal scenes, but Scorsese never uses violence solely for shock value and always to accurately portray these characters’ true-life counterparts. The story is compelling from start to finish, with lots of captivating themes — from the false bedrock of the marriage of Ace and Ginger to Nicky’s lust for money.
The movie reveals some interesting facts about the gambling business, like that some casinos intentionally make it difficult for players to leave. For example, they strategically place essential amenities, such as toilets and restaurants, deep within the gaming area to force players to walk past numerous slot machines and tables each time they want to use these facilities. This trick works because it increases the likelihood of players making a spur-of-the-moment decision to stay and gamble just one more round.