Underneath the flashing lights and free cocktails casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of money. For years mathematically inclined minds have been trying to turn the tables, but the truth is, there’s really only one way to beat a casino game: don’t play it.

Robert De Niro gives perhaps the performance of his career as Ace, a mafioso who sees himself as a principled old-school operator even as he’s getting involved in mob affairs and skimming from slot machines to help his moll Ginger (played by Sharon Stone) grow her business. The film also boasts a superb supporting cast, especially Joe Pesci’s unrelenting Nicky, the gangster whose ruthlessness far exceeds his small frame.

Casino’s real power lies in its depiction of how the mob worked, connecting politicians and labor unions to the Chicago mafia and the Midwest mobsters based out of Kansas City. But, despite this epic crime drama scope, the film is ultimately a character study about a family and a man’s redemption.

Gambling, whether at a physical casino or online, is a social experience. People from all walks of life gather together to enjoy themselves and meet other like-minded people. This interaction helps to reduce stress and promotes cognitive function and socialization. Those benefits, along with the ability to win money, are just some of the reasons why so many people love to gamble. However, when you start to lose more than you’re winning it can be a big problem for some people.