As a film, Casino is one of Martin Scorsese’s best. It is a lean, mean thriller that does not let up until the very end. It explains how huge gambling corporations took over Vegas, and how the mob lost control of what was once a city minting money in the billions. Robert De Niro is excellent as usual, and the movie captures a very real sense of predatory behavior. In my opinion, it’s a better film than Goodfellas.
Gambling can be fun, but it is not a good way to make money. The odds are that a player will lose over the long haul, even though they may be ahead in the short term. That’s why casinos do everything they can to keep players playing longer. For example, they lack clocks and windows in order to prevent players from knowing how much time is passing. Moreover, casinos offer free drinks and other perks to entice players to play for as long as possible. Being inebriated also impairs judgment, making it harder to walk away from the table.
Another strategy casinos use is to place essential amenities, such as bathrooms, cash machines, and restaurants deep within the gaming floor. This forces players to navigate the gambling area multiple times, increasing their chances of making a spur-of-the-moment decision to continue gambling. Many casinos also waft scented oils in their ventilation systems to create a comforting and inviting environment.