Under the veneer of flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. Mathematically inclined gamblers have fought for years to turn the tables, but their efforts so far have failed.

Casino is a rare movie that succeeds in showing both sides of Las Vegas. It lays bare the city’s past ties to organized crime while also portraying its glamour and opulence. The film’s editing and taut narration make it one of Martin Scorsese’s most gripping thrillers. At nearly three hours, it never lags or loses steam.

Traditionally, casinos have avoided natural light and designed rooms with low ceilings in order to keep guests focused on the games. This goes against typical goals of design, which prioritize openness and wayfinding. This style of architecture is also a fire hazard, but casinos overrode the need for safety to ensure guests kept gambling.

Modern casinos use a variety of electronic devices to monitor players and the machines. They may have high-tech cameras in the ceiling that allow security personnel to see every table, window and doorway. They might also have a video screen that allows patrons to interact with dealers in live gaming events. There are a wide variety of casino games, so there is always something new to try. Some are very simple, such as slots, while others require more skill and strategy like blackjack or poker. New developments in technology are making these types of casino games even more exciting.