A trip to the casino is a fun way to pass a few hours in a new town. The twinkly lights, free drinks and awe-inspiring stage shows create an atmosphere that is both exciting and entertaining. But if you want to leave with some cash in your pocket, then you should plan ahead and know how much to spend. A lot of people are sucked into casinos by the glitz and glamour, but they’re often spending more than they can afford to lose.

Regardless of whether you play the slots, a poker game or craps, you’re likely to be exposed to some lousy odds. The worst odds are highlighted by bright lights and colorful graphics to make them more attractive to players. The result is that even if you have the best of luck, you’re still going to walk away with less money than when you arrived.

It’s no wonder that the house always wins in a casino. It’s not like a charity that gives away free money; it’s a business that is designed to maximize profit. Its built-in advantage, known as the house edge, ensures that it will win. To keep the profits coming, casinos offer their patrons all kinds of luxuries in addition to gambling.

Despite the movie’s focus on greed and corruption, Casino doesn’t fall into the trap of exploitation. The performances by De Niro and Sharon Stone are top-notch, and the film keeps up its pace throughout its three-hour runtime.