The casino industry is booming and, unlike most other industries, it’s thriving mainly because it taps into deep-seated human emotions. The excitement of the games, the chance to win big, and the thrill of the unknown are what keeps people coming back. While some casinos are purely commercial, others cater to a more hedonistic clientele and have a more social feel.
In Casino, Robert De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, the mob boss who runs one of the most infamous casinos in history. A slick, violent character with a worldview that would seem to be at odds with his occupation, Ace nevertheless sees himself as a steadfast, old-school operator who is not about to change his ways. This makes him more of a hero than the more treacherous underworld villains that populate movies like Goodfellas and Boogie Nights.
Casino uses bright and often gaudy floor and wall coverings that are designed to stimulate the senses and make players lose track of time. Hence, there are no clocks on the house floor, and some casinos even prohibit dealers from wearing watches. Combined with the blaring music and the clinking of coins, the atmosphere can be pretty intoxicating.
Casinos are also known for focusing on their high rollers, who spend a lot of money and often gamble in special rooms away from the main casino. In return, they receive free goods and services, including limo service, dinners, hotel rooms, tickets to shows and airline tickets.