A casino is a gambling establishment with a distinctive atmosphere designed to encourage excitement. Its dazzling lights, clinking slot machines, and lively music give it an intoxicating energy that can make even the most jaded gambler feel like they’re on the edge of something big. Casinos also usually offer food, drinks, and entertainment options that help to create a fun environment for players to enjoy their luck.

While most movies only scratch the surface of Vegas, Casino goes much deeper, revealing how the city’s mafia-rooted past gave way to the massive gambling corporations that now mint billions in annual revenue. While Scorsese’s depiction of violence (Ace’s torture of a witness, the death by overdose of Sharon Stone’s character, and Joe Pesci’s murder) may be over the top in some ways, they accurately reflect how things really happened on the real casino floors.

Something about the allure of a large jackpot seems to inspire people to cheat, steal and scam their way into winning, which is why casinos spend so much time, money and effort on security. In addition to security guards positioned throughout the premises, modern casinos have elaborate eye-in-the-sky systems that provide a high-tech view of every table, window and doorway.

Casinos also typically offer patrons extravagant inducements (complimentary goods or services) to encourage them to gamble more often, especially if they’re spending significant amounts of money. These comps may include free spectacular entertainment, luxury transportation, elegant living quarters, and reduced-fare or complimentary meals and drinks while gambling.