When you think about casinos, you probably imagine a lavish gambling establishment that offers high-end dining options and accommodations. Casinos have become a major tourist attraction for many people, thanks to their opulent decorations and breath-taking art installations. Some of the most famous casinos include the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which is known for its dancing fountains, as well as the Paris and Rio hotels.

A casino’s built-in advantage of winning over patrons is known as the “house edge.” While any game can be a loser for some players, casinos don’t care because they have a mathematical formula in place that ensures they’ll make gross profit on every play. That’s why they often offer big bettors extravagant inducements like free spectacular entertainment and luxury transportation, plus reduced-fare hotel rooms.

Security is another crucial aspect of a casino. It begins on the floor, where casino employees watch over games and patrons to ensure that all is as it should be. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating, such as palming or marking cards. Table managers and pit bosses have a wider view and can keep an eye on betting patterns to see whether patrons are stealing chips from other tables.

Martin Scorsese’s Casino isn’t a traditional Hollywood drama, but it’s a lean and mean thriller that never lags or runs out of steam. The film’s pacing is impeccable, and Stone and especially Scott, who makes her character both sympathetic and unlikable, are riveting throughout.