Beneath the veneer of flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years, mathematically inclined physicists have tried to turn the tables by using their understanding of probability and game theory to beat the house edge. This film reveals that they were right all along.

Casino is not a movie about gambling per se, but about the corrupting influence of money and power. While it lacks the pizzazz of Scorsese’s Goodfellas, it’s still a compelling story about the way the mob controlled Vegas and how big business came in to take over.

It’s also a fascinating look at how casinos are designed to manipulate people’s behavior. For instance, they often lack windows and clocks to prevent players from realizing how much time has passed. They also strategically place essential amenities like bathrooms and restaurants deep within the gaming floor to force players to pass many slot machines and tables every time they go to use them. This keeps them from getting up and leaving, and entices them to make one more bet. They may also offer free food and beverages to increase their loyalty program rewards, which also encourages players to keep playing longer. Inebriated players are less likely to make sound decisions, and this can lead to expensive mistakes. It’s also important to set a fixed amount of money you are ready to lose and stick to it.