Casino Review – Is Gambling Good For Your Brain?

In a world that can feel increasingly isolating, casinos are still one of the few public spaces where people from different walks of life can gather and share an experience. While it’s true that casinos do have a negative impact on the environment, they also offer an opportunity to interact with strangers and practice generosity. Some even claim that gambling can actually provide a cognitive boost, as it requires intense focus and escapism from daily stress. But is this really the case?

While Casino isn’t quite up there with Scorsese’s best work like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or Hugo, it’s still a film with a lot of captivating themes. It’s a crime drama that showcases the mob’s predatory tactics and it’s all portrayed with incredible skill by Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone.

Both of the film’s protagonists, Sam “Ace” Rothstein (De Niro) and Nicky Santoro (Pesci), are based on real mob figures. The two leads are at the peak of their respective careers and both deliver memorable performances. Ace is a smart man who pays close attention to detail and he’s relatively honest for a mobster. Meanwhile, Nicky is the quintessential hood, letting anger govern his decisions and often going over the top when it comes to violence. The movie’s costumes, credited to Rita Ryack and John Dunn, are also impressive – from Ace’s crimson blazers to Ginger’s dazzling cocktail dresses and later her slightly tackier white leather miniskirts.