Whether it’s champagne glasses clinking or the sound of slot machines chirping, there’s something about casinos that gives people an adrenaline rush. Gambling requires a certain level of skill and strategy to succeed, and the suspense of waiting for that next card or spin keeps you on the edge of your seat. And the excitement of winning is a thrill like no other.
While many movies showcase a Vegas of neon and opulence, few have gone as far in exposing the city’s past ties with organized crime as Martin Scorsese’s Casino. Starring the legendary Robert De Niro as crooked mobster Sam Rothstein and Sharon Stone as his blonde girlfriend Ginger McKenna, Casino lays out an epic history lesson about Sin City. From its opening sequence – a prowling Steadicam zooming through a money counting room at the Tangiers – to its explosive conclusion, this movie is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Vegas.
The house always wins
A casino’s business model depends on encouraging gamblers to play as long as possible for the chance of winning big money. This is done by giving players free goods or services, called comps, based on their amount of gambling activity. Comps can include free food, drinks and rooms. Some casinos even offer limo service and airline tickets to high-spending patrons. This is a huge part of what makes a casino so profitable and a major reason why people love to visit them.