When most people think of casinos, they imagine a place where they can enjoy gambling, fine dining and drinks, and entertainment. But casino gaming facilities are more than just a collection of games and tables; they’re attached to high-end restaurants and performance venues where pop, rock, jazz, and other artists can perform for their guests. The appeal of these spaces goes beyond what they have to offer, and knowing how to maximize their value helps casinos grow their profits.
The earliest casino games may date back as far as primitive protodice or carved six-sided dice, but the modern notion of a casino as a place to find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof didn’t emerge until the 16th century in Italy, when rich Italian aristocrats met in clubs called ridotti and enjoyed gambling as a major social pastime. As the popularity of these venues grew, they drew in other Europeans, and the word casino became synonymous with this type of venue.
Casino is a classic in the genre of epic crime dramas, and while other movies like Goodfellas and Mean Streets explore Mafia corruption in Vegas to some degree, this movie lays bare the intricate web of mob control that once ruled the city, with tendrils reaching into politics, Teamsters unions, and even the Midwest mafia. The film also features amazing performances from Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone, and is one of Scorsese’s best works.