With its focus on greed, betrayal and violence, Casino is one of Martin Scorsese’s darkest movies. But it is also a riveting portrayal of human tragedy. Every key character in this movie is mired in deceit and avarice, and while their judgment may be flawed at the time, their eventual comeuppance is both heart-wrenching and satisfying to watch.

The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has been popular in almost every culture throughout history. It’s believed that the ancient Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman societies all played games of chance for fun, while medieval knights and noblemen competed in archery and jousting matches to prove their bravery. Modern casinos are built on this tradition, offering players the chance to try their luck at blackjack, craps and a wide range of other games.

In a casino, gamblers place bets using chips or digital credits rather than cash. This creates a psychological disconnect between the money they’re spending and the money they actually have, allowing them to bet bigger amounts for longer periods of time. Some casinos even offer free drinks to keep players in a state of euphoria for longer, although the intoxicated state can lead to poor judgment when it comes to placing bets.

Modern casinos are designed to influence gamblers’ behavior in specific ways, primarily through the use of a variety of tricks and psychological traps. Whether it’s the lack of clocks and windows, or the scented aromas that waft through the ventilation system, casinos are engineered to distract and entice players.