Casino is a three-hour film about the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas gambling. The movie stars De Niro as a mobster, Sharon Stone as a hustler, and Joe Pesci as a vicious enforcer. Casino is a riveting drama that exposes the corruption that infested the city during the 1980s and 1990s. It also explores the relationships between politicians, gamblers, teamsters, and the Chicago mob.
Gambling in one form or another has been a part of human civilization for millennia. Archeologists discovered wooden blocks used for games of chance in 2300 BC, dice showed up in 500 BC, and card games came around in the 1400s. In the 21st century, casinos have been popping up all over the world and are a popular form of entertainment.
In addition to their glamorous decor and bright lights, modern casinos have carefully designed customer experiences that encourage people to stay longer and spend more money. For example, some casinos waft scented oils throughout their ventilation systems to make customers feel more comfortable. They also have labyrinth-like walkways lined with enticing slot machines, which are designed to keep visitors playing as long as possible.
There’s one thing that’s certain about gambling: the house always wins. Every game that a casino offers has a built-in advantage that ensures its profits, so it is very rare for a patron to win more than they lose. This is why casinos offer extravagant inducements to big bettors, such as free spectacular entertainment and luxury accommodations.