A Casino is an indoor amusement park, with billions of dollars in profits raked in by slot machines, roulette, craps, keno, blackjack and many other games. Musical shows, lighted fountains and awe-inspiring hotels help draw in customers, but without games of chance to provide the entertainment, casinos would not be able to stay afloat.
How do casinos trick you into losing money?
The answer is simple: a little bit of psychology. And a lot of technology.
Security Systems
Elaborate surveillance systems allow security workers to watch all tables and doors at once. Video feeds are recorded, so if something suspicious happens, the casino can go back and find out who did it.
Interior Decor
The decor at a casino is carefully chosen to make it as pleasant as possible. The colors, rugs and the furniture are selected to evoke a sense of comfort. Red is a popular choice because it makes you think of warm fires and good luck.
Bright and often gaudy carpets and wall coverings are designed to create a cheerful ambiance. They are thought to distract you from your own thoughts and help you lose track of time.
Lights and Colors
Casinos use lights and color schemes to trick you into thinking that it’s daytime, even when it’s not. They have ceilings and walls that are lit to mimic the sun at different times of day. This keeps you looking at them long enough to get lost in the action.
A “sunk cost” fallacy occurs when someone makes a bet after a previous loss. It’s a way to try to make up for lost funds by making an even larger bet.
This is a common tactic in casinos, but it’s one that should be avoided. It’s better to budget a set amount of money you are willing to lose and never go over that limit.
Reward Programs
Casinos reward players with points that they can redeem for things like free meals, merchandise and travel. These programs are especially popular with high rollers who can spend thousands of dollars.
Gamblers who play a large number of games at the same establishment are known as “high rollers,” and these people are usually treated with special accommodations, comps worth a great deal of money, and personal service from friendly personnel.
Despite their reputation for being a dangerous enterprise, casinos are safe to visit as long as you know how to play responsibly. There are many warning signs of gambling addiction, and if you feel that you’re getting addicted to casino games, it’s best to seek treatment from a professional.
The mathematical rules of most casino games ensure that the casino has a slight advantage over its patrons, known as the house edge. This is a small percentage of the total money that comes in from customers, but it can add up over time. In addition to a house edge, most casino games also have a variance that determines how much the casino will lose or win.