With the exception of a few games that involve skill, most casino games are pure chance. This means that the odds always give the house an edge over players. And the house is not afraid to take advantage of this to maximize profits. They have several different strategies to keep players gambling longer. This includes strategically placing essential amenities like toilets, restaurants and cash machines within the casino area to make players walk past all the slot machines, tables and other games again and again. This increases the chances of a spur-of-the-moment decision to play again.

While other movies show a glamorous side of Vegas, Casino digs deep. It lays bare the intricate web of corruption that revolved around Las Vegas, with tendrils reaching into politicians, Teamsters unions and the Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City. It also shows how casinos use a variety of methods to skim money from customers, including overcharging for drinks and food, and taking 25 percent of the slots’ take.

Scorsese tells this story with the energy and pacing that made him famous. Unlike other films with such lengthy running times, Casino never lags or runs out of steam. Even at three hours long, it never feels long or overly drawn out. And the movie has a wealth of little details that feel just right, from the tacky 1970s period decor to Ace ordering the kitchen staff to put “exactly the same amount of blueberries in every muffin.” In addition, Scorsese has his usual flair for using music, with some scenes shot with an almost documentarian style.