A casino is a place where people gamble for real money. The bright lights, lively music and colorful designs create an atmosphere of excitement that encourages players to keep playing. While gambling can be addictive, there are a number of things you can do to help limit your losses. Many casinos offer tools to help you manage your spending and provide support for those struggling with addiction.

How do casinos trick people into losing so much money? How do they get rational people — people who work hard for their income and make reasoned financial decisions on a day-to-day basis — to throw hundreds or even thousands of dollars away based on the literal roll of the dice, the spin of the wheel or the draw of the cards? Martin Scorsese’s fascinating Casino answers those questions with lurid mob brashness dialed up to 11. Based on a book by Nicholas Pileggi, who had full access to Sam “Ace” Rothstein, the man who ran four casinos for the mob back East, the movie plays like a documentary. You feel like you’re eavesdropping on secret conversations.

There is no best time to visit a casino. The house edge will eventually grind you down, no matter what time of day or weekday you play. This is one of the reasons casinos are famous for lacking clocks and windows, designed to keep players unaware of how long they’re being taken advantage of. Casinos also rely on drinks to keep players hydrated and inebriated, which does not improve their judgment when it comes to making bets.