Behind the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of their hard-earned money. It’s no wonder that physicists and mathematicians have long tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system.

Casino, the Martin Scorsese film that stars Robert De Niro as a mob-controlled Las Vegas bookie, is an epic drama that takes us on a wild ride through the world of organized crime. Based on a true story, it chronicles how the mob skimmed millions from casinos in Vegas. But despite its graphic scenes of torture, the murder of a young man with a vice, and the car bombing of an innocent bystander, this is not a movie that relies on violence for shock value. It is a movie that tells a true story with great depth, capturing the real personalities of its subjects, not just their actions.

Before you walk on a casino floor, decide how much you’re willing to lose. Then set a budget and stick to it. Ensure that you leave your ATM card at home and that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. And remember, a casino is not designed to save people who are down on their luck, the odds for every game have been stacked in favor of the house, so the longer you play the more likely you are to lose.