After the mafia drama Goodfellas had shaken up American cinema, Martin Scorsese opted to follow it up with Casino, a more intimate look at the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Featuring the acting duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, it is one of the most powerful mafia films ever made. While the film was a huge success, it also sparked a lot of debate over its accuracy to the real world.
Among the most controversial aspects of the film is its depiction of the gambling industry. The movie is rife with scenes of money skimming and rigged slot machines. However, while this was clearly done for dramatic purposes, it did not reflect the true nature of the gambling business. Modern casinos are equipped with elaborate surveillance systems that allow security personnel to monitor every table, window, and doorway. These cameras can even be adjusted by security workers to focus on suspicious patrons. Moreover, studies have shown that compulsive gambling does more harm than good to communities by pulling local spending from other forms of entertainment.
People that attend casinos are a diverse group of individuals. While some are regulars that strut around tables expecting to win big, others come in to socialize and try their luck at the games. Regardless of their intentions, they all have one thing in common: they are having a great time! With music blaring and coins clinking, the atmosphere is hard to miss. As such, it’s important for casinos to understand their customers and provide them with a variety of fun activities that appeal to everyone.
