A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play various games of chance for money or other rewards. They may also offer food and drinks, and often have entertainment on site to keep guests occupied. Casinos can be found in many countries around the world, and some are open 24 hours a day.
Martin Scorsese’s Casino, based on a book by Nicholas Pileggi, was a huge hit in 1995. Its story about the Mob’s relationship with Las Vegas and its casinos was a compelling one, and it boasted a cast led by two of the stars of Goodfellas, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.
The movie opened with a car bombing and Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro) floating through the air. The film’s first hour plays like a documentary, with Rothstein and others providing narration as they discuss how the mob skimmed millions out of casinos.
While some of the story is about the business of smuggling and running illegal operations, it is also about the personal side of this underworld figure. He was a smart man who ran the biggest casinos in Vegas, and while he was tough, he had a veneer of honesty that made him less ruthless than other mafiosi.
In addition to his business smarts, Ace was a loyal family man. He was devoted to his wife Ginger (Sharon Stone) and they had a strong marriage. It is a shame that this part of the movie was cut for the DVD release because it added a dimension to the story that is important.