When you walk into a casino, you’re immersed in a haze of flashing lights, clinking slot machines, and the sound of people talking excitedly about winning at their favorite games. The smell of free cocktails and the sight of glitzy decorations are also part of the experience. It all adds up to a buzzing atmosphere that is almost too much to take in.

This euphoric environment is designed to make people feel good about playing and keep them coming back. A great way to do this is through scented oils that are wafted throughout the air. Another strategy is to use near-misses on slot machines to create the illusion that the player can still win.

Then there’s the booze, which is served nonstop. It lowers inhibitions and clouds judgment, making players more likely to press their luck. And casinos know that heavy drinking is a sure-fire way to boost gambling revenue. Casino is Martin Scorsese’s most violent movie, but the violence is not merely for shock value or style. The actions of De Niro’s Ginger McKenna and Joe Pesci’s Santoro are based on real-life events that have occurred to these actors’ actual counterparts.

Gambling is a form of entertainment, but it’s not a profitable way to make money. Before you enter a casino, decide how much you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to that number. In addition, never play with a debit card or credit card that you could easily overspend.