With their flashy decor, fast-paced action and the thrill of a potential big win, casinos have a unique way of capturing people’s attention. While some of the games are just pure chance, there are those that require a certain amount of skill or strategy to play. The result is a thrilling experience that’s unlike anything else. From high-stakes games of chance like blackjack to the simpler spin of a roulette wheel, casinos have something for everyone.

The main attraction of any casino is its collection of games. There are the classic table games of poker and blackjack that allow players to test their wits against each other in a competition of skill. There are also simpler games of chance like slot machines that are more accessible to newcomers. Casinos earn a large part of their profit by leveraging the house edge, which is the mathematically determined advantage that the casino has over the gamblers. In some games, such as poker and baccarat, the casino earns additional money through a commission, which is known as the rake.

While many movies have shown a different side of Vegas, few films capture the essence of a casino as well as Casino does. With its portrayal of violence, treachery and avarice, the movie paints a picture that’s hard to ignore. And yet, even with its dark themes, the film manages to maintain a sense of excitement throughout its three-hour length. This is largely due to the acting talents of the ensemble cast. Robert De Niro gives a standout performance as Sam Rothstein, while Sharon Stone is mesmerizing as the blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. Joe Pesci rounds out the rest of the impressive cast as the mobster Santoro.