After the success of Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese set his sights on the world of organized crime in Las Vegas. The result was Casino, a film that takes the mob genre to new heights of violence, treachery, and greed. Though it may seem like an over-the-top depiction of the darker side of human nature, the movie is actually quite convincing. And while every key character in the movie gets their comeuppance, you’ll find yourself empathizing with them too.
Sharon Stone’s performance is nothing short of spectacular in this film, arguably her best role to date. She perfectly embodies the sexy, seductive charm that made her a star. Her character, Ginger McKenna, is a smart hustler who exults in her ability to keep men around her, yet doesn’t know when to stop. She’s a force to be reckoned with and a real bad girl.
It’s a fascinating look at the gangsters who run Vegas and their eventual downfall due to greed and lust. The movie is also a reminder of the power of money and how quickly fortune can change when you’re in control of it.
Although this is an action-packed movie, the violence in it is not gratuitous. Whether it’s a beating by Joe Pesci, a torture scene involving a vice, or the murder of Sam Rothstein, each moment feels authentic and true to life. It’s a testament to the actors and director that these scenes are so effective.
Few movies capture the essence of Sin City quite like Casino does. While many films only show the glamour, opulence, and neon signs of Vegas, this movie digs deeper, revealing its dark history of organized crime. And while Goodfellas took a ground-level view of the blue collar mobster, Casino gives us a bird’s eye view of the guys who ran the city from the top.
The prestigious casinos featured in the film all have something to offer gamblers, whether it’s the opulent settings, high-roller amenities, or the chance to win big. But which ones made an indelible mark on the industry? In order to answer this question, OLBG analyzed the most famous casinos in the world and their impact on gambling. Here are the 10 most iconic casinos that have made their mark on the history of casinos.