Under the glitz of flashing lights and free drinks, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their money. While mathematically inclined people have long sought to turn the tables by using probability and game theory, there’s one thing that’s for certain: the house always wins.
The gambling industry is booming, with Americans spending billions on casino games and lottery tickets. Many states have legalized gambling to help boost economies in depressed areas, but the industry comes with its own set of problems. Gambling can be addictive and is not something that people should do lightly. It can lead to financial ruin, bankruptcy and even suicide. It’s also important to remember that casinos do not just affect the gamblers who visit them, but also local businesses, the community and even property values.
In the film Casino, director Martin Scorsese paints an epic picture of a city mired in corruption and greed. From the mob to the Teamsters union and Chicago’s Midwest mafia, Scorsese lays bare an intricate web of criminality with tendrils reaching across political boundaries. He does so with a cast that features the likes of Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, both of whom deliver outstanding performances. With a taut screenplay and masterful editing, Casino is an exciting thriller all the way to its climactic end.