Whether it’s online slots, live casino games or horse-race betting, gambling is a popular pastime for many Canadians. Hobbies like these help people to relax and escape from daily stressors. They also offer numerous mental health benefits, including improved concentration, cognitive function and social skills. However, it’s important for gamblers to keep in mind that they should never let their gambling interfere with their financial or personal wellbeing.

Director Martin Scorsese’s Casino is like Goodfellas dialed up to 11. It’s a fascinating look at the mob’s relationship with Las Vegas. The film is based on the book by Nicholas Pileggi, who had full access to mobster Sam “Ace” Rothstein. The movie plays like a documentary, with back-and-forth narration from Ace and his best friend from Chicago, Nicky Santoro.

The movie shows how casinos use various tactics to keep people gambling for as long as possible. For instance, they often lack clocks or windows so that players lose track of time. They also serve free drinks, which can cloud a player’s judgment and lull them into making bad decisions. They also employ sunk cost fallacy, encouraging players to follow their losing bets with even bigger ones.

Despite these ploys, casinos don’t make money from gambling alone. They earn revenue through hotel rooms, food and beverage services, and gift shops. They also boost local economies by bringing in new visitors who spend money on workers, restaurants and hotels. They may also contribute to a local community’s social services, such as hospitals and schools.