Whether Venice, Monaco or Singapore, many exotic destinations pair with casinos that promise unforgettable experiences. Casino is no exception, and director Martin Scorsese delivers. A movie that combines the energy and pacing of Goodfellas with the richly detailed storytelling of The Godfather, the film takes us inside the mob’s relationship with Las Vegas. It lays out an intricate web of corruption with tendrils reaching to politicians, Teamsters unions, the Chicago mob and the Midwest mafia in Kansas City. It also explains how mobster Sam “Ace” Rothstein stole 25 percent of the slot-machine take, while skimming from other games and food service.
It reveals that casinos are not charitable organizations giving away free money. Rather, they are businesses with built-in advantages that ensure their profitability. These advantages, known as the house edge, vary by game and help to make sure that the casino, not the gambler, wins over time.
Casinos can boost local economies by bringing in tourist dollars and providing jobs for area residents. In addition, they contribute significant tax revenues that can help local politicians fund essential community services or avoid raising taxes elsewhere.
The sexy spa town of Baden-Baden was a playground for European royalty 150 years ago, and its casino still exudes elegance. Its baroque flourishes and red-and-gold poker rooms draw visitors from around the world. It’s famous for its top-notch shows and hosts regular international poker tournaments. It’s also the home of a massive water show that is the envy of many other casinos.