You’re in a twinkly casino, you’ve filled up on free food and drinks, and you’re ready to test your luck at gambling. The thrill of a big win and the adrenaline rush that comes with it are what attracts people to casinos, but that’s not all they offer. Casinos also have a dark side. The profits from addictive gamblers often go to a handful of people who aren’t doing any good for the community and, when you factor in the cost of treating problem gambling addiction and the lost productivity, the net benefit of casinos to their communities is often negative.
Something about gambling encourages dishonesty and fraud, but casinos spend a lot of time and money trying to counteract those factors. It is important for casino brands to have transparent policies and T&Cs, along with clear regulations, to demonstrate their commitment to fair play. Casinos can also promote themselves with stories of happy and lucky winners to build trust and loyalty among potential guests.
Few movies capture the essence of Sin City better than Casino, and it’s not just because of its stars. Like Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls, it shows the rough blur of organized crime colliding with corporate capitalism in a city of neon and opulence. But unlike countless other movies that have skewed the truth of what it is really like to gamble in Vegas, Casino doesn’t shy away from showing both sides. It makes it clear that nothing is as clean as it looks in Sin City.