A casino is a place where champagne glasses clink and locals and tourists mingle. Whether you prefer table games like blackjack and poker where you test your wits, or slot machines that offer a more relaxed approach to gambling, there’s an incredible buzz in the air. There’s also a chance to win big, creating an experience that’s as thrilling for old-school gamblers as it is for newcomers.

In addition to the thrill of winning, casino guests are often given comps (free goods and services) based on how much time they spend at the table or how long they play slots. These benefits are designed to encourage casino patrons to keep betting and spending money, and to reward loyalty. For example, a “good” player will receive free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows or even limo service and airline tickets.

While Casino is not a movie for people looking for a lighthearted or romantic depiction of Las Vegas, it does present an accurate picture of the gambling industry. It also portrays the greed, betrayal and violence that characterized many of its key players. Sharon Stone gives a performance that is both an extension of her work in Basic Instinct and an inversion of it. Her Ginger is an avaricious hustler who delights in her ability to seduce men (“a smart hustler like her could keep a guy awake for two or three days”) and yet seems powerless to rein herself in.