Whether it’s the flashing lights, the clinking of slot machines, or the excitement of potential big wins, casinos give players a rush like no other. They create an atmosphere that is so enticing, it makes even the most jaded individuals take a step back and marvel.

Casino, the Martin Scorsese movie, captures this feeling and atmosphere perfectly. While not shying away from the violence (the film features a popped eyeball and a baseball bat beating that had to be heavily edited to avoid an NC-17 rating), the movie conveys a sense of ambivalence; it is a celebration of the past while simultaneously a fear for what will replace it.

For years, mathematically inclined people have tried to beat the system by using their knowledge of probability and game theory to exploit weaknesses in a casino’s rigged systems. This is why casinos spend so much time, effort and money on security.

On the gaming floor, employees have to keep a close eye on their patrons to catch any blatant cheating or suspicious betting patterns. Dealers can be trained to spot a number of different techniques, and pit bosses are on hand to ensure that table managers aren’t stealing cards or switching dice.

While demographics are a useful tool, they’re not the only information that should guide marketing strategies for casinos. They also need to focus on their unique amenities, location, events, and more to attract the right audience. For example, casinos need to target events and group business to promote their luxury hotel offerings, cutting-edge technology, event space, and other services.