Casino is Martin Scorsese’s epic history lesson about Vegas, and it’s fascinating. It feels a lot like a documentary, with narration by the real Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and others explaining how the mob skimmed millions from Las Vegas casinos. It’s a complicated web that had tendrils reaching into politicians, Teamsters unions, and the Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City.

The flashing lights, bright colors, and constant movement of a casino create a sense of energy and excitement that draws people in. This visual stimulation, coupled with the sound of coins falling and triumphant music, makes players feel like they’re winning, even if they aren’t. This illusion of control makes players more confident in their abilities and willing to take bigger risks. It also increases their desire to continue gambling, convinced that their next big win is just around the corner.

While the house always has an edge over the players, casinos use other tactics to keep them playing for as long as possible. For example, there are often no clocks in casinos, which prevents players from noticing how much time has passed. In addition, many casinos offer loyalty programs that reward players with free meals and hotel rooms. These perks encourage players to gamble more, and the more they gamble, the higher their loyalty status becomes.

But it’s the cast of characters that makes Casino so compelling. Sharon Stone’s performance as the conniving Ginger McKenna is nothing short of remarkable, and Joe Pesci adds a sense of menace that puts him in the same league as the legendary De Niro.