One of the more underrated films in the casino genre, Casino is an engrossing look at how a mob-run gambling business operated in Las Vegas. It tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish American expert handicapper hired by the Chicago Outfit to oversee their day-to-day operations at the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas. It also focuses on his relationship with Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), his mafia superior, and streetwise chip hustler Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone).

While Scorsese’s other mob drama Goodfellas is notorious for its sloppy plotting, Casino is more tightly constructed. Its pacing is faster and the film’s complex characters give way to some truly gripping drama. The story of how Ace and Ginger fall out is particularly compelling and the film has a definite morality that sets it apart from other movies.

Despite its dark themes of greed and corruption, the movie is still an entertaining watch and a must-see for anyone interested in this particular period of history. It is a movie that makes us believe in its characters and their tragedies, but at the same time it shows how they are all human and flawed.

As a result, we feel sympathy for the protagonists and can almost understand their motivations. Moreover, the movie has an underlying message about how human beings need escapism to navigate everyday stresses. This escapism can be found in different forms like movies, games, books and even online casinos. These activities provide positive mental health and help us cope with negative emotions and stress.