A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These include slot machines, card games, and table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Some casinos also feature restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment venues. In some countries, casinos are licensed by a government body to operate legally.

In modern casinos, all the tables and slots are connected to a central computer system. The machines are monitored for statistical deviations, so if a pattern develops, the casino can detect it immediately and alert security personnel. In addition to the computers that monitor players, modern casinos employ a variety of other technologies to ensure fairness of game play. For example, in “chip tracking,” betting chips are electronically monitored minute by minute so that the exact amount wagered is always known; and roulette wheels are electronically scanned and checked for consistency.

No other film has done a better job of capturing what Las Vegas is all about than Casino. While other movies merely scratch the surface, this epic crime drama explores Vegas’ ties with organized crime in a way that never becomes overblown. The performances are top-notch, especially Robert De Niro as mobster Frank Sinatra and Sharon Stone as his wife Ginger McKenna. Joe Pesci adds a layer of menace to his Santoro character that makes him almost unrecognizable. Even though it is over three hours long, the film never lags or loses steam. It is a taut and compelling thriller that proves once again that Martin Scorsese is master of his craft.