In 1973, the Chicago mob send Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (De Niro) to Las Vegas to run the Tangiers Casino. He soon increases their profits and his childhood friend Nicky Santoro (Pesci), a mob enforcer, is sent to join him and protect their interests.
Sam falls in love with former prostitute Ginger McKenna (Stone) and they marry and have a daughter, but their relationship is tumultuous. Meanwhile, Nicky's criminal activities and Sam's actions begin to draw unwanted attention which upsets their bosses. As their friendship is strained, further betrayals ensue and soon they risk the destruction of everything they have built.
