From the twinkly lights of Las Vegas to the crowded pai gow tables in Chinatown, casino gaming attracts a large and varied demographic. It’s a social experience, not just a chance to win or lose money, and casino-goers are often surrounded by friends, family, or strangers all mingling in a festive and electric atmosphere.

While the glitz, glamour, and flashing lights of casinos give them a sense of excitement and fun, they are built on a bedrock of mathematics, designed to slowly bleed patrons of their hard-earned cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have attempted to turn the tables and make casinos pay for their rigged games, but despite the best of intentions and even the most brilliant of brains, it is nearly impossible to beat the house.

Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a movie that is heavy on violence and treachery, with every key character mired in avarice, greed, and betrayal. But this isn’t just for shock value or style – the movie is faithful in its portrayal of real-life events and how mafia crime shaped the city of Las Vegas.

Casino security starts on the floor, where dealers keep their eyes on all patrons and the action to make sure everything is going as it should. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating, such as palming or marking cards. Other casino employees, such as pit bosses and table managers, have a more broader view of the game and are able to watch for betting patterns that could indicate dishonesty.