Like Boogie Nights a few years later, Casino is a period piece that imagines the ’70s (and beyond) as a hellscape. But unlike other epic crime dramas, Scorsese’s movie isn’t in love with its corrupt characters. Instead, it’s rueful and closely attuned to institutional systems of grift.
Casino’s most striking feature is its depiction of the intertwined nature of organized crime, gambling and Las Vegas culture. As a result, the film is less about an underworld hero than it is about the insidiousness of criminal behavior and the way in which greed can poison an entire community.
The film also demonstrates that casinos can be a source of revenue for local communities, but the benefits may not extend to all members of the community. Local politicians and the general public often assume that when a casino is constructed, the jobs created will be filled by skilled labor from the local area. However, this is not always the case. Frequently, the workforce in casinos is made up of higher skilled workers from other areas who have relocated for employment.
Before you step inside a casino, decide how much money you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to it. Remember that you’re not betting on a miracle; you’re playing a game of chance with built-in advantages designed to ensure the house wins.