Despite all the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by harnessing probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system, but ultimately all that success has only shown them how much luck is involved in gambling.
But if the movie lacks the pizzazz of Goodfellas, it still offers plenty to absorb and ponder. From the way Scorsese crafts his story to the way he draws his characters (with a deft attention to detail; Ace orders the casino cooks to put “exactly the same amount of blueberries in every muffin,” for example), Casino feels like a movie made from the inside out.
Casino also captures the feel of Sin City before it became a family-friendly theme park. In the closing scene, as images of the Tangiers are shown on a big screen, Ace laments how the town will never be the same.
And though it may be tempting to chase the next big win, it’s important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment that has a high risk of addiction and psychological problems. There are far better ways to increase your wellbeing, from engaging in physical activity and fostering healthy eating habits to practicing mindfulness and meditation. The best way to increase your wealth is by investing in activities that truly nourish your mind, body, and soul.