Casino is an epic crime drama about the gambling business in Las Vegas. The movie lays bare the web of corruption centered around casinos, with tendrils reaching into politics, Teamsters unions, the Chicago mob, and a Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City. It is also a history lesson, revealing how huge gambling corporations gradually took over the town and turned it into an entertainment empire.
Unlike other commercial businesses, casinos are designed with specific intentions to influence patrons’ behavior and keep them playing for longer. Traditionally, casinos have used dark color schemes, low ceilings, and windowless spaces to make players feel cozy. Their layouts often feature labyrinth-like walkways lined with enticing games. This strategy, known as classic casino design, encourages gamblers to stay and play, and it has proven effective in increasing profits.
As well as technological measures such as cameras, casinos use rules of conduct and behavioral norms to ensure security. For example, table games like blackjack are played using cards that must be visible to everyone at all times, while slot machines are wired to communicate with one another and detect statistical deviations from expected outcomes. Despite these measures, casinos remain a dangerous place for some people.
While many people go to casinos to try and win money, others simply enjoy the thrill of the chance of winning and don’t mind losing. These people are known as “gamblers,” and they can spend hours in front of a machine, immersed in a trance that blocks out the world around them.