A casino is a place where gamblers come to test their luck and skill at games of chance like blackjack, poker, and roulette. While a variety of other attractions like musical shows, lighted fountains, restaurants and hotels draw in the crowds, casinos would not be as profitable as they are without the games themselves. Games of chance, in fact, account for the billions in profits raked in by casinos each year.
While most movies about Las Vegas stick to the good stuff, highlighting opulence and partying, Casino doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the gambling industry. In fact, this Martin Scorsese movie is arguably the most realistic depiction of how casinos operate and the shady dealings of their players.
As a result, the film depicts the way in which the mob ran the city’s casinos and how greed and corruption eventually brought them down. It also explores the nature of addiction to gambling, particularly for its more vulnerable members. Sharon Stone’s character Ginger is unlikable but utterly sympathetic, and we feel sorry for her as she struggles with her problem.
In order to keep their profits up, casinos offer rewards to gamblers who spend a lot of time and money playing their games. These are known as comps, and they can be anything from free food or drinks to hotel rooms and limo services. Generally, the more you play, the higher your comp rating, and the better deals you can get.