Casino – The House of Chance

Casino is a word that means “house of chance.” The casino industry makes billions each year for corporations, investors, Native American tribes, and state and local governments. They do so by creating a symbiotic relationship with their patrons. They entice people to spend their money and provide them with experiences that are pleasurable, exciting, and enticing. They also make it hard to step away. The combination of sounds, lights, and physical design is a masterfully designed system that works to keep people gambling.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. Evidence of dice in China dates back 2300 BC, and cards came along a little later. The modern-day casino evolved to include dining and entertainment options as well as gaming. It is now one of the most popular forms of recreation in the world, with the average patron spending around $6 a day.

As the casino industry evolves to meet the needs of millennial and Gen Z consumers, marketing efforts have shifted from traditional demographic analysis to more sophisticated strategies that target behaviors. These include enhancing food and beverage offerings, adding online components to floor games, and increasing mobile marketing.

Martin Scorsese’s Casino is a three-hour movie that manages to not be boring for one moment. Its compelling story of mafia corruption reaches out from Vegas to touch politicians, Teamsters unions, and Midwest mobs. Robert De Niro is mesmerizing as mob boss Santoro, while Sharon Stone adds tension as Ginger McKenna. The movie also features a terrific supporting cast.