The flashing lights and free cocktails are the glitzy veneer, but beneath it all casinos are rigged to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables, using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a system designed to profit from your loss. But the best way to beat a casino is simple: don’t play.

Whether you want to test your skills in table games like blackjack and poker, or try out your luck at slot machines, there is something for everyone at a casino. The most popular option is the roulette wheel, where players bet on one of 36 numbers and watch as the spinning ball lands on their lucky spot. Those who prefer a more relaxed approach can choose from a variety of card and board games or simply play the bingo hall or karaoke.

In addition to providing a fun social atmosphere, casinos offer a number of health benefits for their visitors. For example, gambling can help to relieve stress and improve cognitive function by increasing concentration and memory storage. It also helps to develop math skills, which can be beneficial for other aspects of life.

Following the success of Goodfellas, Scorsese opted to revisit the world of organized crime with Casino. Featuring the reunited pairing of De Niro and Pesci, it is both a crime drama and an epic history lesson about the transformation of Vegas from mafia stronghold to gambling mecca.