Casino (Movie Review)

After a long hiatus, Martin Scorsese returned to filmmaking with Casino. This time, he delved deeper into the darker side of Vegas, shedding light on the city’s mob roots and past while still showing off the opulence and neon lights. Unlike movies like Boogie Nights, which glamorize the bad parts of Vegas with a satirical tone, Casino delivers an unflinching look at the brutality that was endemic to the city in its day.

In fact, Casino’s most powerful scene is a hellacious torture-by-vice sequence that had to be trimmed to avoid an NC-17 rating. It’s indicative of the ambivalence Scorsese feels about the city and its violent history—and also his determination to tell this story without turning it into a glorified exploitation flick.

Casino is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about the gambling industry or how organized crime operates within it. The movie is also a masterful showcase for De Niro and Pesci, who both deliver their finest performances in this gangster classic. And while the movie is almost three hours long, it never lags or loses momentum.

Casino is a reminder that casinos attract customers for emotional reasons, not just because of the games or entertainment options available to them. These emotions include excitement, anticipation, and socialization. By doubling down on these feelings, casinos can create an environment that attracts customers and keeps them coming back for more. Casinos should focus on the customer experience and provide a personalized touch with every interaction. They should also prioritize transparency by clearly displaying their policies, T&Cs, and regulations.