Casinos rake in billions each year for the owners, investors, and Native American tribes who operate them. They also draw visitors to cities from around the country and the world, creating a booming business for hotels, restaurants, shops, spas, and entertainment centers. Despite the high stakes of gambling, casino patrons generally have a good time. They can relax and enjoy the dazzling lights and the music, while playing games of chance and socializing with others.
Casino is Martin Scorsese’s take on the Sin City casino scene. It has bravura set pieces that are sure to elicit cheers from audiences, but it also features scenes of despair and corruption, such as a money counting room with deliberate echos of the Copacabana scene in Goodfellas. Scorsese judiciously balances the two styles in this film, capturing the energy of the place without making it seem depressing or hopeless.
Casinos are designed to make money by encouraging gamblers to spend their time and money repeatedly in hopes of winning big. They do this by offering rewards to frequent visitors, known as comps. These include free meals, drinks, shows, hotel rooms, reduced-fare transportation, and even airline tickets. Casinos use these programs to reward patrons for their loyalty and increase their customer database for future marketing efforts. They also bolster their reputation by offering top-notch gaming content from the best software providers.