Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film Casino is a visceral and captivating portrayal of the Las Vegas underworld in the 1970s and 80s. While a work of fiction, Casino is remarkably grounded in reality, drawing heavily from the experiences of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, and the book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas” by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The Core Truth: A Fictionalized Reality
The film, while using fictionalized names and events, paints an accurate picture of the skim operation orchestrated by the Mafia in Las Vegas casinos. The greed, violence, and eventual downfall of the players involved are all rooted in documented facts and FBI investigations. However, it’s crucial to remember that Casino is a movie, and dramatic license was taken to enhance the narrative and create compelling characters. The timeline is compressed, certain events are merged, and some details are exaggerated for cinematic effect. The spirit of the era and the ruthless nature of the individuals depicted are overwhelmingly accurate, even if the specifics are occasionally embellished.
The Real People Behind the Characters
The characters in Casino are thinly veiled versions of real-life figures. Robert De Niro’s “Ace” Rothstein is based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a brilliant sports handicapper who ran the Stardust, Fremont, and Hacienda casinos for the Chicago Outfit. Joe Pesci’s “Nicky Santoro” is based on Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, a notorious mob enforcer who controlled Las Vegas for the Chicago Outfit. Sharon Stone’s “Ginger McKenna” is based on Geri McGee, Rosenthal’s wife, a former showgirl with a penchant for drugs and alcohol.
The film captures the complex and volatile relationships between these individuals, and the devastating consequences of their choices. The simmering tension between Rothstein and Santoro, born from differing philosophies and growing personal animosity, is a central theme of the film, mirroring the real-life conflict between Rosenthal and Spilotro.
The Accuracy of the “Skim” Operation
One of the most fascinating aspects of Casino is its depiction of the “skim,” the illegal diversion of casino profits before taxes. The film accurately portrays the mechanics of this operation, showing how money was discreetly siphoned off before being counted and reported. This “skim” was a major source of revenue for the Mafia, and it played a significant role in their control of Las Vegas.
While the specific amounts skimmed and the exact methods used may differ slightly from reality, the fundamental principle of the operation is accurately represented in the film. The film highlights the elaborate system of checks and balances put in place to ensure the smooth flow of money, as well as the constant threat of FBI scrutiny.
Violence and Betrayal: Reflections of a Brutal Reality
The violence depicted in Casino is undeniably shocking, and it accurately reflects the brutal reality of the Las Vegas underworld in the 1970s and 80s. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ruthlessness of the Mafia, and the lengths to which they would go to protect their interests.
The infamous scene where Nicky Santoro tortures and kills a man with a vise is based on a real event involving Spilotro. The betrayal and double-crossing depicted in the film are also based on real-life incidents, highlighting the inherent instability of the Mafia’s power structure.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Casino is not a documentary, but it is a compelling and insightful portrayal of a dark chapter in Las Vegas history. It captures the essence of the era, the personalities of the individuals involved, and the corrupting influence of power and greed. While some details may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, the film’s core narrative is rooted in fact, making it a valuable, albeit fictionalized, account of the Mafia’s reign in Las Vegas. It stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the devastating consequences of a life lived outside the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: Was Frank Rosenthal really as good at sports betting as Ace Rothstein?
Yes. Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal was a legendary sports handicapper, known for his meticulous approach and his ability to consistently beat the odds. He was so successful that casinos initially limited his bets before eventually employing him to run their sportsbooks, a testament to his expertise. Ace Rothstein’s character accurately reflects Rosenthal’s gambling acumen and his influence on the Las Vegas sports betting scene.
H3: Did Tony Spilotro really get murdered in a cornfield?
Yes. While the film simplifies the events leading to his death, Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro and his brother Michael were indeed murdered in a cornfield in Indiana in 1986. The killings were ordered by the Chicago Outfit, who believed Spilotro had become too uncontrollable and was drawing too much heat on their operations.
H3: Was Sharon Stone’s character, Ginger, really that unstable?
Geri McGee, the real-life inspiration for Ginger, was known for her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as her tumultuous relationship with Frank Rosenthal. While the film might have heightened some aspects of her personality for dramatic effect, it accurately portrays her as a troubled and ultimately self-destructive figure. She suffered from mental health problems and addiction throughout her life.
H3: How accurate is the depiction of the FBI investigation?
The FBI investigation depicted in Casino is generally accurate. The film shows the painstaking process of gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and eventually building a case against the Mafia. The wiretapping and the use of informants were key strategies employed by the FBI in their efforts to dismantle the Outfit’s control of Las Vegas.
H3: Did the Mafia really control the Las Vegas casinos back then?
Yes. In the 1970s and 80s, the Mafia had a significant influence on the Las Vegas casino industry. They used their connections to secure loans, skim profits, and exert control over casino operations. The “skim” was a major source of revenue for the Mafia, and it played a key role in their power and influence.
H3: Were the casinos really that glamorous?
Casino captures the glamour and opulence of the Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s and 80s. The lavish decor, the high-roller atmosphere, and the abundance of money are all accurately represented in the film. Las Vegas was a booming destination, attracting gamblers and celebrities from around the world.
H3: How much money was the Mafia skimming from the casinos?
The exact amount of money skimmed by the Mafia is difficult to determine precisely, but it is estimated to be in the millions of dollars per year. The “skim” was a highly secretive operation, and the exact figures were closely guarded. However, it is clear that the Mafia was making a substantial amount of money from their illegal activities in Las Vegas.
H3: What happened to Frank Rosenthal after he left Las Vegas?
After leaving Las Vegas, Frank Rosenthal moved to Florida, where he continued to work as a sports consultant. He eventually relocated to California, where he died in 2008 at the age of 79. His life after Las Vegas was significantly quieter than his time running the casinos.
H3: Did the Stardust casino really have that much influence?
The Stardust casino, run by Frank Rosenthal (Ace Rothstein), was one of the most influential casinos in Las Vegas during the 1970s. It was known for its high-stakes gambling and its connections to the Mafia. The Stardust played a significant role in shaping the Las Vegas casino industry.
H3: How did the Mafia lose control of Las Vegas?
The Mafia’s control of Las Vegas gradually eroded due to a combination of factors, including increased law enforcement scrutiny, changes in casino ownership, and the rise of corporate gaming. The FBI’s investigation, depicted in Casino, played a significant role in dismantling the Outfit’s power structure.
H3: What other films or books explore similar themes?
If you are interested in learning more about the Mafia’s influence on Las Vegas, consider watching “Bugsy” (1991) and reading “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi (the basis for Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”). These works provide further insights into the world of organized crime and its impact on American society.
H3: Is it still possible to get “comped” like they did in the movie?
While complimentary services, or “comps,” still exist in Las Vegas casinos, they are not as easily obtained as they were in the 1970s and 80s. Casinos now rely on sophisticated player tracking systems to determine eligibility for comps, and the amount of comps offered is typically based on a player’s level of play and spending habits. The era of free-flowing comps depicted in Casino is largely a thing of the past.