Fans searching for a Martin Scorsese streaming guide can now revisit ‘Casino‘, the director’s 1995 mafia drama starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, available for viewing on Tubi. As the movie nears its thirtieth anniversary, the film’s placement in Scorsese’s legacy prompts new perspectives on its impact compared to his other crime epics.
Exploring ‘Casino’ and Its Place in Scorsese’s Body of Work
Launched in 1995, ‘Casino’ brought together much of the creative team from ‘Goodfellas’, including director Martin Scorsese, lead actors Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. The film depicts the mafia’s influence in Las Vegas during the 1970s and ’80s through the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a sports handicapper recruited to oversee the Tangiers casino. He teams up with the volatile Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci, navigating a world of high stakes, deceit, and shifting loyalties.
Though ‘Casino’ shares DNA with both ‘Goodfellas’ and, years later, ‘The Irishman’, this film stands as the middle entry in an unofficial crime trilogy. While ‘Goodfellas’ is rooted in the rise and fall of a young gangster inspired by real-life experience, and ‘The Irishman’ takes a somber look at the cost of a lifetime in organized crime, ‘Casino’ separates itself as a fictional exploration of mob-run Las Vegas—a world both meticulously detailed and emotionally distant.
Upon its initial release, ‘Casino’ was often compared unfavorably to ‘Goodfellas’, with audiences and critics noting its perceived lack of emotional depth and an overabundance of narration. Over time, however, the reputation of ‘Casino’ has grown, its status shifting toward that of a classic representation of Scorsese’s distinctive filmmaking style.
Narration, Violence, and Visuals: What Distinguishes ‘Casino’
Distinct from its predecessors, ‘Casino’ relies heavily on narration, offering viewers an insider’s perspective on behind-the-scenes operations of a mob-controlled casino. Robert De Niro’s character, Ace, describes the technical strategies for running the Tangiers—from catching cheaters on the gaming floor to maintaining a careful balance between generating profit and avoiding unwanted attention from both law enforcement and mob superiors.
The film’s voiceover approach echoes that of ‘Goodfellas’, yet takes it further, emphasizing procedural detail over personal relationships. As the story advances, Ace’s management of the Tangiers unravels—first when Nicky’s recklessness brings trouble, and then when Ace loses his gaming license due to a local official’s ruling. Ace’s subsequent pivot to hosting a local talk show, venting his frustration with the gaming commission, marks a notable narrative turn reflecting Scorsese’s penchant for blending dark humor with tragedy.
While thrills and suspense abound, the central relationships in ‘Casino’ offer little respite. Ace’s romantic involvement with Ginger, portrayed by Sharon Stone, is marked by tension and dysfunction. Stone’s performance is widely considered a highlight of her career, bringing depth to a character otherwise defined by dissatisfaction. Despite her vivid portrayal, critics have noted that Ginger’s role lacked the emotional richness found in supporting characters in ‘Goodfellas’, such as Lorraine Bracco’s performance as Karen Hill.
‘Casino’ at the Box Office and Its Cult Status
The release of ‘Casino’ over Thanksgiving in 1995 presented audiences with a visually dazzling, but violent and emotionally cold, crime opera. According to box office reports, the film grossed over $100 million worldwide, placing it below more mainstream offerings that year, including ‘Under Siege 2’, ‘Nine Months’, and the remake of ‘Sabrina’. That reception echoed critical skepticism at the time, particularly regarding the film’s graphic violence and protracted narrative.
Despite these challenges, Scorsese’s craftsmanship shines throughout. Cinematographer Robert Richardson captures the glitz and excess of Las Vegas with bold lighting and a saturated palette, while the film’s celebrated soundtrack immerses viewers in the era. ‘Casino’, with its nearly three-hour run time and unflinching depiction of brutality, became recognized as one of Scorsese’s most intense and visually memorable works.
The Enduring Appeal of ‘Casino’ in the Streaming Era
With the passage of time, ‘Casino’ has come to represent a quintessential vision of the Martin Scorsese crime drama—glamorous, cynical, and morally complex. Its depiction of 1970s Las Vegas, before the city’s transformation into a family-focused entertainment hub, feels increasingly distant. As in many of his gangster narratives, Scorsese does not glorify criminal outsiders but instead chronicles their inevitable downfall and the fading of their ill-gotten glory.
The focus on ‘Casino’ within the Martin Scorsese streaming guide now underscores the enduring fascination with these stories. Viewers today may approach the film as a historical document as much as a crime thriller, reflecting on how American history, through Scorsese’s lens, becomes a story of ambition, betrayal, and loss.
Where to Watch ‘Casino’ and More in the Martin Scorsese Streaming Guide
For those compiling a comprehensive Martin Scorsese streaming guide, ‘Casino’ is currently available to watch on Tubi. This platform provides access not only to ‘Casino’ but also to a range of other crime dramas, making it a suitable destination for fans eager to explore more of Scorsese’s legendary catalog.
Additional recent titles associated with Scorsese’s name are now available across popular streaming platforms. Among them is ‘Homebound’ on Netflix, India’s official Oscars entry for 2026 and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Other options include ‘Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints’ Season 2, streaming on Fox Nation, which delves into the stories of Catholic saints, and ‘Mr. Scorsese’ on Apple TV+, a five-hour documentary miniseries about the filmmaker’s unparalleled career. These selections illustrate Scorsese’s broad influence across genres, from crime sagas to personal documentaries and executive producer credits on international releases.
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Influence of ‘Casino’ and Martin Scorsese
As streaming continues to reframe how audiences discover and revisit film classics, ‘Casino’ stands out as a touchstone for Martin Scorsese’s exploration of power, downfall, and the shifting American dream. The film’s portrayal of Las Vegas as a place of fleeting splendor and underlying danger resonates with viewers reflecting on both cinematic history and cultural change. Today, fans and newcomers alike use guides such as the Martin Scorsese streaming guide to revisit these works, ensuring their place in the evolving canon of American cinema.
Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone’s performances remain defining elements of ‘Casino’, while the film’s focus on organizational crime, the complications of loyalty, and the lure of success capture the essence of Scorsese’s vision. With additional films and documentaries now easily accessible, the director’s influence on storytelling endures, invigorating continued viewing and discussion among devoted film fans and scholars alike.
Watch ‘Casino’ now on Tubi and explore more from Martin Scorsese through platforms like Netflix, Fox Nation, and Apple TV+.
