With lights flashing and the sound of coins clinking, the casino atmosphere is one that is hard to miss. Even the most jaded individuals can be tempted by the flashy decor, upbeat music and palpable excitement that can be found within casinos. It is a place where people can let their hair down, play with their luck and test their skills at games ranging from poker to roulette. With such a wide variety of options, it is no wonder that casinos have become a favorite getaway for many.

While a casino may try to lure its customers in with promises of glamour and opulence, the fact remains that it is ultimately an institution designed to make money. The house always wins, and the longer you play, the more likely you are to lose your own money. That is why a casino’s environment is so carefully engineered to induce manufactured bliss: Curving paths and strategically placed games are meant to catch the eye of passersby, encouraging them to gamble more. Casinos also use odors like those of fresh baked bread or chocolate to keep customers feeling satisfied while they are playing.

Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci star in Casino, a movie that serves as an epic history lesson about Las Vegas and its dark past ties with organized crime. While other movies might focus on the glitz of gambling and partying, Scorsese’s film lays bare its seedier side with a brutal realism that is at once exhilarating and depressing.