The very word “casino” invokes images of flashy decor, champagne glasses clinking and people mingling over drinks and trying their luck at games from poker to roulette. But gambling at casinos is about more than just money; it’s also a social experience, and one that often involves a great deal of deception. It seems that almost everyone who enters a casino has already decided (even subconsciously) that they can’t win, and so they set out to lose an amount they can easily afford, regardless of their skill level or the odds against them. That might explain why so many gamblers cheat, bribe and steal to gain an advantage over the house.
The term casino refers to a gambling establishment, and the typical casino offers everything from stage shows to dramatic scenery to give its patrons an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere. However, there are more basic and less lavish places that would still qualify as a casino, such as bingo halls or even a strip joint. The basic purpose of a casino is to provide a place where a variety of games of chance can be played, and gambling is the main activity undertaken by its patrons.
Most casinos are designed to be exciting and attractive places for people to visit, but a casino’s success depends on the odds and the player’s ability as well as pure luck. In the end, only four things can make a casino profitable – its popularity, its odds, the player’s skills and luck. If the first three are not in place, the chances of making a profit are slim to none.
Although Goodfellas is widely considered to be a superior gangster film, Casino is actually a better movie because it’s more tightly written and has a more linear storyline. It’s also more engrossing and features a finer cast of characters, most notably Sharon Stone. Her performance is nothing short of remarkable; she makes Ginger an unlikable character but you simply can’t turn away from her and the way she plays the game.
The supporting cast is equally excellent, with a special mention going to James Woods as low-life con-man Artie Piscano and Vinny Vella as the long-suffering mobster Nicky Santoro. But it’s Stone who walks away with the film. She’s truly brilliant and was completely robbed of an Oscar nomination. The next time you watch the film, pay attention to the details of her delivery and see if you don’t agree. She’s simply amazing! Casino is a terrific film that should be seen by everyone.