A casino is a facility where people can gamble by playing games of chance, or in some cases with an element of skill. They offer a range of games, from slots to table games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Customers exchange cash or other types of credit for chips which are then used to place bets. The casino’s profits come from the percentage of bets it wins and from a variety of other sources including food, beverages, and entertainment. The house edge is the mathematical advantage casinos have over players. It ensures that the casino will win money over time.

A key element of a casino is its visual design. Bright lights, flashing images, and music create a manufactured state of euphoria that keeps players gambling. In addition, many casinos are designed without clocks or windows to prevent the passage of time. Free drinks also help to keep players inebriated, reducing their ability to make good judgment calls. This can lead to costly mistakes, such as placing large bets after a losing streak.

Director Martin Scorsese dials up Goodfellas to 11 in Casino, with plenty of back-and-forth narration from mobster Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and his henchman from the “back East” Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci). The film is filled with captivating themes and characters, from Ace’s shrewd business sense to Nicky’s recklessness. While the violence is excessive at times, it is all true to life. It’s a sobering reminder of how predatory the mob can be.