Casino is a Martin Scorsese movie that explores all the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas. But he also shows the seedy side and underlying corruption that is a part of Vegas gambling history. It’s a riveting three hour thriller that never lags in the middle or runs out of steam by the end. The performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are top notch. They really bring their characters to life. De Niro’s Ace is a smart, well-mannered mobster while Pesci’s Nicky is a nutjob who lets anger dictate his decisions.

Casinos use a variety of tactics to manipulate their patrons into gambling longer and spending more money. For example, they often don’t have clocks on their gaming floors so that players lose track of time and stay in the game longer. They also often waft a pleasant smell throughout the casino to make people feel happy and relaxed. Slot machines can even be programmed to produce “near wins” to keep players gambling.

Another way casinos manipulate their patrons is by serving free drinks and food. This booze clouds judgment and makes it harder for players to walk away from the games, and it can also encourage reckless betting behavior. Casinos are also intentionally designed to be labyrinthine, with no clear pathways from one section of the gaming floor to the next. This can distract players from walking to the bathroom or out of the building. They can also offer complimentary meals and rooms to lure gamblers in even when they’re not feeling well or need to sleep.