A casino is a place where people can gamble for real money. It’s also a place where they can socialize and enjoy entertainment like music or shows. The word “casino” is a portmanteau of the Latin word for “house” and the French word for “meeting.” People can find many ways to win money in a casino, including slot machines, blackjack, and poker. But there’s one thing that is always guaranteed: the house will come out the winner.

Gambling has been a part of human civilization for millennia. Archeologists have found dice in China dating back to 2300 BC, and cards were introduced around 1400 AD. But, despite the thrill of winning and the lure of riches, gambling isn’t without its downsides. In fact, it’s been known to cause health problems and even destroy families.

Beneath the flashing lights, glitzy decor, and free drinks, casinos are engineered to slowly drain their patrons of their hard-earned cash. This is especially true for casino games, where the house has built-in advantages that ensure it will make money in the long run.

Casino, the Martin Scorsese movie that exposes the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas gambling, is a taut, no-holds-barred thriller that never lags or runs out of steam. At almost three hours, it’s among the longest movies Scorsese has ever made, yet it never feels too lengthy or drags in the middle.