Underneath the glitter of flashing lights and clinking slot machines, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years mathematically inclined physicists have tried to turn the tables, using their skills in probability and game theory to exploit flaws in a rigged system. They have largely failed.

Gambling is a strange thing in the United States: It’s common, legal and accepted. Despite its obvious dangers, most Americans feel that gambling is an acceptable way to spend their money. But, for a small percentage of the population, it’s dangerous, often even pathological.

Casino is the story of the rise and fall of a city in the midst of an epic battle between mob and corporate gambling interests. Martin Scorsese’s movie is both a history lesson and a drama about personal tragedies and the destructive power of greed.

In addition to offering a wide variety of games, casinos should have a dedicated team that is available to answer any questions and help resolve problems. This is particularly important for online casinos, where the customer service experience can make or break a potential player’s experience.

Additionally, the more convenient and quick it is to withdraw winnings, the better. Players will not want to play at a casino that requires them to submit extensive documents and takes days to process withdrawals. Finally, a good casino will offer an array of payment methods, which is important for many players.