You stride into a casino brimming with confidence, your wallet full of cash and plans for some enjoyable, sensible gaming and maybe two rounds of drinks. Hours later, you don’t know what time it is, how many drinks you’ve had or where your money went. You’re in the grips of a well-oiled machine designed to slowly bleed you of your hard-earned dollars.

Beneath flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos operate on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly drain their patrons of their cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables using their knowledge of probability and game theory, but for most, it takes a lot more than a bit of skill to beat the house.

Casino, the 1981 Martin Scorsese classic, is a taut thriller that doesn’t lag in the middle or run out of steam by the end. A brilliant cast, led by a remarkable De Niro as mobster Nicky Santoro and the always-reliable Joe Pesci as his partner Santoro, keeps this three-hour movie riveting until the very last scene.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an enthusiastic newcomer to the gambling world, having a few tricks up your sleeve can make you a more intelligent and profitable player. Having the right mix of popular games from industry-leading providers as well as fresh, innovative content is a good way to attract players and build trust in your brand. And partnering with event planners to advertise your casino in key markets can bring group business in, while also increasing discoverability.