The Tangiers Casino, a fictional establishment prominently featured in the 1995 film “Casino,” directed by Martin Scorsese, serves as a captivating representation of the opulent and often tumultuous world of Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s. While the Tangiers itself is a product of cinematic imagination, it draws heavily from real-life casinos, web page particularly the Stardust and the Riviera, both of which played significant roles in the history of Las Vegas gaming and entertainment.
The Stardust Resort and Casino, which opened in 1958, was one of the most iconic casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Known for its lavish decor and extravagant shows, the Stardust was a hub for high rollers and celebrities alike. Its prominence in the gambling scene made it a natural influence for the Tangiers, which is depicted as a glamorous venue catering to the elite and the underbelly of organized crime. The Stardust’s connection to the mob and its eventual decline mirror the narrative arc of the Tangiers in “Casino,” where the casino’s operations are intertwined with the activities of the Mafia.
Similarly, the Riviera Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1955, is another significant inspiration for the Tangiers. The Riviera was known for its elegant atmosphere and was a popular destination for entertainers and tourists. It hosted numerous famous acts, including Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, which reflects the kind of entertainment that the Tangiers sought to provide. The Riviera’s own tumultuous relationship with the mob, as well as its eventual decline in the face of changing gambling laws and competition, parallels the fate of the Tangiers in the film.
In “Casino,” the Tangiers serves as a microcosm of the larger themes of greed, power, and betrayal that characterized Las Vegas during its heyday. The film delves into the complexities of running a casino in an environment rife with corruption and violence, showcasing how the allure of wealth can lead to devastating consequences. This narrative is bolstered by the real-life experiences of figures like Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, who managed the Stardust and was deeply involved in organized crime.
The Tangiers also reflects the changing landscape of Las Vegas, where the glitz and glamour of the past began to give way to a more corporate and sanitized version of gambling. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the personal and professional lives of those involved in the casino business are often at odds, leading to a tragic unraveling of relationships and fortunes. This theme resonates with the real-life decline of both the Stardust and the Riviera, which faced challenges from new mega-resorts that transformed the Strip into a more modern and commercialized destination.
In conclusion, while the Tangiers Casino is a fictional creation, it is deeply rooted in the history of Las Vegas and inspired by real establishments like the Stardust and the Riviera. Through its portrayal of the casino’s rise and fall, “Casino” captures the essence of an era defined by excess, ambition, and the dark side of the American Dream, making the Tangiers a lasting symbol of the complexities of the Las Vegas casino experience.