The film is set in Las Vegas in the 1970s and follows the rise and fall of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (played by Robert De Niro), a Jewish-American gambling expert chosen by the Mob to oversee the operations of the fictional Tangiers Casino. Sam is a skilled handicapper who transforms the Tangiers into a highly profitable casino, using his talents to increase its revenue and maintain order among the staff.
As Sam’s success grows, he forms a close friendship with Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci), a violent and unpredictable Mob enforcer with a short temper. Nicky acts as Sam’s right-hand man and muscle, helping him to enforce rules and protect the casino’s interests. However, Nicky’s volatile nature and criminal activities soon attract unwanted attention from law enforcement and jeopardize the stability of the Tangiers.
Complicating matters further is Ginger McKenna (played by Sharon Stone), a beautiful and seductive hustler who becomes Sam’s wife. Despite their passionate relationship, Ginger’s addiction to drugs and her turbulent past with her ex-boyfriend, Lester Diamond (played by James Woods), threaten to unravel Sam’s carefully constructed world.
As tensions escalate and the FBI closes in on the Mob’s operations, Sam struggles to maintain control over the casino and protect his loved ones. His loyalty to the Mob is tested, and he must confront the consequences of his actions as he faces betrayal from within and pressure from law enforcement.
In the end, Sam’s empire crumbles, and he is forced to flee Las Vegas to avoid prosecution. Nicky meets a violent end, and Ginger’s reckless behavior leads to her downfall. The film concludes with Sam reflecting on the rise and fall of his gambling empire, lamenting the loss of everything he once held dear.
“Casino” is renowned for its stylish direction, compelling performances, and gritty portrayal of the Las Vegas underworld. Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction, along with the powerhouse performances of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, has cemented the film’s status as a classic of the crime genre.