Casinos are designed to be exciting places where people can let loose. They offer a wide range of games that test gamblers’ wits and skills. Classic table games like blackjack and poker require a high level of skill and strategy while slot machines are more casual. Even a simple spin of the roulette wheel can generate a thrilling rush as players wait for their lucky numbers to land. Combined with flashy décor and upbeat music, casinos create a manufactured euphoria that keeps people coming back for more.

But despite the glamorous lights and gambling opportunities, casinos are also built on a foundation of greed and corruption. That’s what makes them so entertaining and compelling, as evidenced by movies such as Casino, starring De Niro and Joe Pesci in a career-defining performance that both builds on and inverts their iconic roles in Goodfellas. In a movie about organized crime, Casino lays bare the seedier side of gambling. But it’s not merely for shock value, as Scorsese’s use of violence is intended to show the true nature of casino life.

In order to attract a more diverse audience, casinos need to go beyond the gaming floor. Millennials and Gen Z prefer an experience that includes food, entertainment, and other non-gaming amenities. To attract this audience, a casino can incorporate elevated food options, add online components to traditional floor games, and increase mobile marketing efforts. A reputable casino will also prioritize responsible gambling and provide tools like deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for all.