There have been a number of movies made about Las Vegas and gambling, but perhaps none so epic as Casino. Unlike movies that simply show the fun side of Vegas with opulence, neon signs and gamblers having fun at cards and slots, this movie lays bare the city’s seedier origins and its past ties to organized crime. It also makes a point to dispel the myths that casinos increase employment and boost local economy.

Casino is a 1992 film written and directed by Martin Scorsese. It stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. The movie tells the story of a mobster who is lured to Las Vegas by the promise of a large sum of money and becomes involved in a criminal conspiracy to control a Nevada casino. It is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi.

The movie is a riveting tale of corruption, violence and treachery. It shows how the mob was able to manipulate politicians, the Teamsters union and even the Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City to their advantage. It is an unflinching look at the dark side of casino life, but it is also a fascinating history lesson.

Many people who visit casinos do so not just to gamble, but to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow patrons. For this reason, some casinos offer their big bettors lavish inducements such as free spectacular entertainment and transportation, hotel rooms and elegant living quarters while gambling. These bonuses help attract and keep high rollers who generate the most profit for the casino.

Other people visit casinos because they enjoy the challenge of skill-based games, such as blackjack and poker. These games require players to make the best decisions under pressure, and can be very rewarding if played well. Some casinos also host tournaments and other events where gamblers compete against one another.

Casinos have become increasingly sophisticated in their use of technology to ensure the fairness of their games. For example, some table games feature chips with built-in microcircuitry to enable the casino to track exactly how much is wagered minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly for any statistical deviations from their expected results. Casinos also employ sophisticated methods to monitor employee behavior to prevent cheating and theft, both by patrons and employees.

Proponents of casinos often cite the decrease in the local unemployment rate after a casino is introduced as proof that casinos increase employment and economic growth. However, this is misleading because the jobs created by a casino are generally skilled positions, and the original, less-skilled population in the area remains unchanged. In addition, the lower unemployment rate may reflect the overall economic trends of the state or nation rather than the introduction of the casino. This article originally appeared in the April 1995 issue of Casino magazine.