Casino is one of Martin Scorsese’s most violent movies, but it never lags or loses steam. It’s a film that is riveting and informative about Vegas history, how the mafia ran the town, and how big gambling corporations took over the city. It’s an epic history lesson about a place that is constantly reinventing itself and rewriting its own narrative.

Stepping into a casino is like stepping into an alternate reality. With flashy decor, music blaring and coins clinking in slot machines, the atmosphere is electric. While there may be some tutting when luck isn’t on your side, most people enjoy themselves and are upbeat and excited.

The scent of scented oils wafting through the ventilation system adds to this manufactured sense of bliss. The lights and sound create a euphoric setting that makes gamblers want to stay and play, and the excitement keeps them coming back for more. Some casinos even reward “good” players with free food, hotel rooms, tickets to shows, limo service and airline tickets.

Gambling has been shown to improve a variety of skills, from math to pattern recognition, and some games such as blackjack offer the opportunity to use strategy to win real money. In addition, legalized gambling brings in significant tax revenues for local governments, helping them to maintain and increase essential community services and infrastructure.