Casino is a word that brings to mind images of bright lights, high rollers, and luxury. While gambling is a part of casinos, they are also entertainment hubs that feature great food and concerts. This broad appeal makes them popular destinations for a night out or a vacation. But how do casinos trick people into losing so much money? How do they make otherwise rational people—people who work hard and make reasoned financial decisions on a daily basis—throw hundreds or even thousands of dollars away based on the literal roll of the dice, spin of the wheel, or draw of the cards?

This is what Martin Scorsese’s fascinating new film, “Casino,” reveals. Like “The Godfather” and “Mean Streets,” it is a movie about Mafia business and Las Vegas. It follows the true story of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a Teamsters union muscle man who took over the mob’s Las Vegas casino operations in the 1970s.

But what Scorsese’s film really knows is how casinos skim their profits, not just from the slot machines but also from table games and food service. It also knows how casinos try to prevent such skimming, which is why you never see clocks in casinos and why they don’t have windows. And it knows how casinos rely on the fact that inebriated patrons don’t make the best financial decisions. In short, it knows how the house always wins.