Nothing thrills a movie audience quite like a casino scene. While most films just show a glamorous Las Vegas with neon signs and gambling action, Casino shows the seedier side of this city’s history as it exposes mob corruption that reached into politics, real estate investments and the Teamsters unions. Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone both shine as casino hustlers in this epic crime drama.

While the precise origin of gambling is unknown, it can be traced back to every culture on earth. People have always wanted to try their luck at games of chance, whether it’s to win a small fortune or simply escape from everyday worries. As the amount of money handled by casinos increases, so does the temptation to cheat and steal. This is why casinos devote so much time, effort and money to security.

Most casinos offer a variety of games. The most popular are card games such as poker, blackjack and baccarat, which require the highest level of skill to play, while slot machines and video poker are more for the casual player. Many American casinos also feature table games such as roulette and craps, which can attract large bettors and demand low house advantages, usually around 1 percent or less.

Casinos also feature a range of other entertainment options, including restaurants and free drinks. However, a casino’s main purpose is to offer gamblers an escape into a fantasy world where they aren’t concerned about losing their money or the consequences of their actions.