You stride into the Luxor, Mohegan Sun or Tropicana with a wallet full of cash and the intention to have some enjoyable, sensible gaming and maybe two rounds of drinks. Hours later, you have no idea what time it is and are wondering where your money has gone. It’s not your fault – every aspect of a casino is designed to lure you into spending more money than you intend to.

With lights blazing, music pulsing and coins clinking, casinos are intoxicating. Even jaded players who have seen it all can be caught up in the energy, and it’s not uncommon for patrons to spend hours (or more) at tables or machines.

Whether the casino is online or on the strip, a successful establishment must deliver high-quality gameplay and exceptional customer support. It must also have a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets and cryptos. Having a strong partnership with game developers is also critical, as it builds trust and increases player retention.

As any true casino fan knows, the biggest draws are the big-name stars. Robert De Niro is always a pleasure to watch on the screen, and Sharon Stone does a great job portraying blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. But Joe Pesci steals the show as a mobster whose menace exceeds his short and stocky frame.