A casino is a gambling establishment offering various games of chance, such as roulette and blackjack. Some casinos also offer other amenities, such as a selection of restaurants and bars. They are often visually stimulating with flashing lights and bright colours, and are designed to keep people playing for longer periods of time. Some of them use psychological tactics, such as near wins, to encourage players to continue spending money even when the odds are stacked against them.

A movie about mafia-era Vegas, Casino is a brutal but delicately balanced masterpiece. Unlike some mafia films, it is not content to simply glorify the mob and its violent ways. Instead, it reveals the intricate web of corruption that pervaded the city, with tendrils reaching to politicians, Teamsters unions, and even the Midwest mafia based out of Kansas City. It stars Goodfellas alum Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, and is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi.

While most casinos are located in the United States, some are located outside of the country. The Venetian Macau in China is one of the largest, with a gaming floor covering more than 800,000 square feet. London’s Hippodrome Casino is another popular destination, with a refined tropical motif. Its opulent decor, including a replica of the London skyline, is complemented by an extensive dining options. The casino’s high-end restaurants are led by renowned chefs and serve gourmet cuisine.