A casino is a facility where gambling activities take place. People visit casinos to play table games such as blackjack and roulette, as well as slot machines. They also enjoy drinks and socialize with other people in the establishment. In addition, casinos can serve as a good way to relieve stress. However, it is important to remember that gambling can lead to addiction. Hence, it is important to set bankroll limits before going to a casino.
After the success of Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi teamed up to create Casino, another mob movie that takes us into the heart of organized crime in Las Vegas. The film is based on the real story of mobster Sam “Ace” Rothstein. As with The Godfather, the film’s first hour plays like a documentary, complete with narration by Rothstein and others as they explain how the mob skimmed millions out of the casinos.
The movie features great performances by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, but it’s Sharon Stone who steals the show as Ginger, a woman with an appetite for men and anything else. She is a relentless force who could keep any man awake for two days, yet she is a smart hustler who can’t help herself.
If you’re arguing with a friend about whether or not Ray Liotta deserves an Oscar for his role in Goodfellas, try bringing up Casino and its depiction of his character as an amoral gambler. This will probably enrage your friend, but it may also make them think about the real-life implications of that lifestyle.