Introduction
Audiences have long been enthralled by casino films because of its gripping stories, dramatic high risks, and endearing characters. But what about the real people who served as the inspiration for these glitzy, avaricious, and glorious movie tales? Let’s examine some of the real-life figures that influenced the most well-known casino films, from infamous mob figures to renowned gamblers.
“Casino” by Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal (1995)
Robert De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein in Martin Scorsese’s epic crime film “Casino,” a character modeled off Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal. Rosenthal was a prominent handicapper and professional sports bettor who was well-known for his ties to organized crime. In the 1970s and 1980s, he oversaw a number of casinos in Las Vegas, including the Stardust, which served as the inspiration for the Tangiers Casino in the film. Rosenthal’s tumultuous career, marked by his relationship with mobster Anthony Spilotro (portrayed by Joe Pesci in the movie), provides the backdrop for the film’s gripping narrative.
“Bugsy” Benjamin Siegel Siegel (1991)
The life story of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, a renowned mobster who is credited with creating the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, is told in Barry Levinson’s biographical crime thriller “Bugsy.” As Siegel, Warren Beatty captures his charm, ambition, and brutality in a riveting performance. The idea of Siegel to turn the oasis in the desert into a gambling hotspot served as the impetus for the growth of Las Vegas as it exists today. But in the end, his premature death was caused by his expensive lifestyle and connections to crime.
“Casino” (1995) by Nicky Santoro and Sam “Ace” Rothstein
“Casino” is inspired by the life of Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, who is portrayed by Joe Pesci as Nicky Santoro in the movie, in addition to Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal. The enforcer Spilotro was dreaded for the Chicago Outfit who operated in Las Vegas during the 1970s and ’80s. His brutal methods and close association with Rosenthal are depicted in the movie, highlighting the volatile dynamic between organized crime and the casino industry.
Molly Bloom (2017) – “Molly’s Game”
The film “Molly’s Game,” helmed by Aaron Sorkin, delves into the real life narrative of Molly Bloom, a former Olympian skier who oversaw the most exclusive high-stakes poker game globally. In portraying Bloom’s trajectory from athlete to underground poker princess to federal defendant, Jessica Chastain gives a powerful performance. The film, which is based on Bloom’s memoir, provides an intriguing look into the world of underground gaming and the unique people who frequented it.
“21” by Edward Thorp (2008)
“21” is based on the nonfiction book “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich. It tells the tale of a group of MIT students who earn millions of dollars in casinos by using card-counting strategies. The character portrayed by Kevin Spacey is partially based on the real-life figure of Edward Thorp, a professor of mathematics and the author of the book “Beat the Dealer,” which transformed the blackjack game. Thorp’s groundbreaking research in probability theory and his creation of card-counting techniques served as the foundation for the incredible success of the MIT Blackjack Team.
These real-life figures have had a lasting impact on the world of casino films, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the murky underbelly of organized crime. Their tales, rife with intrigue and ambition, and betrayal, continue to captivate audiences and serve as a testament to the enduring allure of the casino industry.
