Casinos house a variety of games of chance and often add food, drink, entertainment and other attractions. They are designed to be fun places where people let their hair down, socialize and try their luck at games like roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps and keno.

In this environment, security is paramount. Elaborate surveillance systems provide a high-tech “eye in the sky” to monitor every table, change window and doorway. Casinos also spend a lot of money on security personnel to prevent cheating and robbery. They have cameras everywhere, including in ceilings and on walls, and even inside slot machines.

Something about gambling encourages people to cheat, steal and scam their way into a jackpot. These occurrences are the reason casinos spend so much time and money on security.

It’s hard to tell whether Scorsese is glorifying or demonizing these criminals. He doesn’t draw a line between depiction and endorsement, as he did in Goodfellas and other films about the mob. He does, however, make the point that the world of organized crime is dangerous and corrupt.

Casino is a movie about gambling, but it’s really about human behavior and the lure of chance. The action is fast-paced and the story keeps you on edge of your seat. It is one of the best films ever made about mob life. And it features a great performance from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who complete their collaboration after Raging Bull.