After the success of Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese and Universal Pictures decided to take a chance on Casino. A mobster drama featuring two of that film’s stars (Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci completing their trilogy begun in Raging Bull), it promised to expose the seedy side of Las Vegas and show how the Mafia lost control of what had been a cash cow. It delivered on its promise and then some, with a film that is still considered one of the best gambling movies ever made.
Unlike other films that paint a picture of Vegas with glitz, glamour and opulence, Casino is more brutally honest about its characters. It tells a story about betrayal and destruction and how the lust for power drives people to the limits of human decency. It also gives an insider’s view into the world of gambling.
Casinos are carefully designed to influence people’s behavior. They use intimate spaces and windowless walkways to create a sense of homeliness and encourage players to stay longer by enticing them with games that can be played over and over again. They also use a variety of scents to stimulate the brain and create an artificial state of euphoria. In addition to all this, they use “near wins” to make players believe that they are close to hitting the jackpot, which in turn motivates them to spend more time and money playing.
Casinos also reward loyal customers with free meals, drinks and rooms to keep them coming back. To avoid falling victim to this kind of psychological trap, it is important to set spending boundaries before entering the casino. You should always start with a fixed amount of money you can afford to lose, and stick to it. This will prevent you from making spur of the moment decisions that will lead to a bigger loss than you can afford to absorb.