One of the most iconic casino-related movies, Casino tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish American gambler hired by the Chicago Outfit to run the Stardust, Marina, Fremont, and Hacienda casinos in Las Vegas. The film also features Joe Pesci as mobster Nicky Santoro and Sharon Stone as streetwise chip hustler Ginger McKenna.

Despite their many luxurious perks, such as stage shows, dramatic scenery, and free drinks, casinos are basically places where people gamble. To attract customers, they offer a simulated euphoria with flashing lights and joyful sound effects. These manufactured feelings are triggered in the brain’s reward system and encourage players to continue gambling in hopes of a big win. In addition, slot machines can be programmed to give players a ‘near-win’ every now and then. This psychological tactic keeps people playing even when they know the odds are stacked against them.

Another way casinos keep their patrons happy is by using scents and other senses to create an atmosphere of happiness. For example, casinos often use the smell of fresh baked goods to make their patrons feel at home and evoke a feeling of nostalgia. They can also use scented oils to make their rooms smell clean and inviting, as well as music and lighting to promote a positive mood.

Although Casino is over three hours long, Scorsese’s masterful editing and taut narration make it a lean and mean thriller. It’s also a showcase for Stone’s career-making performance. She brings a fierceness to the role that both builds on and inverts her work in Basic Instinct and Silver.