Casino may not be the most uplifting movie, but it’s a powerful and compelling depiction of mob ties in Las Vegas. While most movies only show the glamorous glitz of casino life, Scorsese’s movie uncovers dark truths that are a lot more complicated than a weekend of partying and rubbing elbows with the stars.
Aside from the opulent decor and the neon lights, casinos are designed to manipulate the psychology of their guests. They use everything from scented oils to windowless walkways to create a manufactured euphoria that makes players want to stay longer.
Using digital credits or chips instead of actual money also helps. This psychologically disconnects gamblers from their money, and it can encourage them to spend more than they intended to. Additionally, casino games can be programmed to keep players playing by letting them know that they’re nearing a big win.
Lastly, casino gambling provides significant economic benefits for the cities where they are located. When local populations gather in a casino, they’re likely to exchange goods and services with each other, which can generate revenue that could otherwise be used for community projects. Furthermore, the jobs that casinos provide can help lower unemployment rates and improve average wages in nearby neighborhoods.