Casino is a three-hour thriller that never lags or runs out of steam. Unlike most movies depicting Vegas, which only scratch the surface and show nothing but the opulence and neon lights, Casino digs deep and reveals its dark side. It lays bare Las Vegas’ past ties with organized crime and its massive gambling corporations. It also explains how the mob was able to control Vegas for decades, and how it lost power as casinos became more corporate and evolved.
While most casino games have a certain element of skill, the house always has a mathematical advantage over players. The house edge is determined by the rules and deck of cards used, but can be minimized with basic strategy. In games that aren’t competing against each other, such as poker and blackjack, the casino earns money through a commission known as the rake.
Casinos are essentially profit-making machines, designed to slowly drain patrons’ money through a combination of luck and mathematical expectations. This is why they offer extravagant inducements to big bettors, from free spectacular entertainment and luxury living quarters to reduced-fare transportation and free drinks while gambling. Nonetheless, it’s possible for mathematically inclined people to use their knowledge of probability and game theory to beat the odds. The trick is to understand when to walk away. It is not a good idea to keep betting after losing and chasing losses will often lead to disastrous consequences. It is also important to be well-rested before entering a casino, as being tired can significantly reduce the chances of making wise decisions.