A casino is more than a gambling hall; it’s an experience. Glittering lights, clinking slot machines, a sea of laughing players at tables and a scent of pure excitement create an atmosphere that’s impossible to ignore. The most popular games in casinos are slot machines, blackjack and poker – but the truth is that casinos would not exist without other forms of entertainment to lure in customers. Musical shows, lighted fountains, restaurants and shopping centers provide much of the revenue that fuels the billions in profits raked in by American casinos each year.

Something about gambling (probably the presence of large amounts of money) seems to encourage cheating, stealing and other types of mischief in its players. As a result, casinos spend a significant amount of time and money on security. Dealers and other casino workers keep close watch over the games, watching for blatant cheating in the form of palming or marking cards or dice, and spotting betting patterns that might indicate collusion. Pit bosses and table managers have a wider view of the entire casino floor, looking for signs that patrons are attempting to steal or collude.

For a movie that portrays the darker side of Vegas, Casino is oddly touching in places. The story is a tragedy of greed and corruption, and while Scorsese doesn’t hold back on the violence, treachery and avarice, the film never descends into gratuitous mayhem. This, along with the strong performances of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, makes Casino a compelling thriller that delivers on all fronts.