Casino is Martin Scorsese’s most brutal movie and a must-see for anyone who wants to understand how casinos operate. It lays bare the seedy side of gambling and Vegas, but never lets its characters become mere caricatures. The movie is a riveting thriller throughout, and despite being three hours long, it never slows down or runs out of steam.

Gambling is a game of chance and a lot of luck, but casinos are designed to make players think they’re winning all the time. This trick works because people tend to stay longer when they think they’re making progress. The glitzy decor and music of the casino will also keep players interested in the game. Some casinos even pump extra oxygen and pleasant scents into the air to keep players alert, energized, and in good spirits.

Most casinos purposefully avoid clocks and windows in their interior design so that visitors lose track of time. This tactic leads to people staying longer than they intended and spending more money. Fortunately, some countries have regulations that require casinos to inform their guests about time to prevent this from happening.

Some casinos also strategically place amenities like toilets and restaurants deep within their gaming floors. This forces players to walk past numerous slot machines and tables on their way to use the facilities, which increases the chances of them making spur-of-the-moment decisions to gamble a little bit longer. It is important to note that the odds are still against them, and most players will lose money in the long run.