Sam “Ace” Rothstein played by De Niro was based on Frank. The story of Casino is loosely based on the life of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a manager of the Fremont, Stardust, and Hacienda casinos in Vegas back in the 70s and 80s. The Main Characters are Based on Real People Find out just how much of the story is true below as well as more interesting facts about Casino, a film that deserves to be immortalized as an online Vegas slot machine. Inspired by real-life events, this movie takes viewers on an interesting journey into Las Vegas and how the mob may or may not have been connected to the gaming industry. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie starred huge names like Robert De Niro, Sharon, Joe Pesci. Released in 1995, the movie Casino remains a classic, a popular choice for movie buffs interested in the casino world and mob mentality.