How Las Vegas lost its 'magic'—and why Casino still captures it
Las Vegas once had a special charm, according to author Nicholas Pileggi. He described the city’s earlier days as 'magic', when casinos were smaller and more personal. This month marks 25 years since the release of Casino, the film he co-wrote with director Martin Scorsese.
An exhibit of *Casino* memorabilia is now on show at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. The display highlights a time when the city’s character was very different from today’s sprawling resorts.
From the late 1950s to the 1970s, Las Vegas offered a more intimate experience. Hotels like the Sands, Stardust, Dunes, and Hacienda had only a few hundred rooms each. These smaller venues created a closer connection between guests and performers.
Stars such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra would mingle with visitors on the casino floor. The atmosphere was relaxed, with gambling at the heart of the city’s appeal. But in the 1980s, corporations began building megaresorts, shifting the focus toward entertainment and luxury. Pileggi, who also co-wrote *Goodfellas* with Scorsese, noted that the old Las Vegas had a unique quality. While the modern city lacks that same intimacy, he acknowledged its new attractions. The original casinos have since been demolished, replaced by larger, more extravagant developments. The *Casino* exhibit at the Mob Museum features props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes items from the film. It offers a glimpse into the era that inspired the story, set against the backdrop of a changing city.
The exhibit runs as Las Vegas continues to evolve. Pileggi’s reflections highlight how the city’s identity has shifted over decades. The memorabilia serves as a reminder of a time when smaller casinos and personal interactions defined the Strip.
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