Casinos pull psychological tricks on their patrons left and right. Everything right down to their architectural design has a carefully thought out plan created to keep players inside the casino’s doors and spending their hard earned money. Some of the methodologies they use are incredibly obvious while others are quite subtle. However, every single trick they pull out of their hat are designed to play on peoples’ psyche to make them feel right at home in a casino, and most importantly—optimistic. Here are few tricks that casinos use to keep patrons handing over their money.
You Will Not Find Any Clocks
You’d be surprised how many people do not wear watches and casinos are well aware of this fact. When a person is interested and engaged in any activity, time seems to fly by at a much faster pace. This fact remains true for the patrons of casinos, as it is hard to come by an activity that is more engaging than gambling. Whether players are using a slot machine or playing on a poker table, you will often see them in a transient state. With no clocks anywhere on the wall, it is much easier for time to slip by for these patrons. Additionally, dealers are instructed not to wear watches for the same reason.
No Windows Either
In the majority of casinos like The MGM and The Wynn you’ll see a few windows close to the entrance and exit, but once you are in the center of the casino, windows will be non-existent. This tactic is used for the same reasons as the no clocks rule. Once a casino gets you inside their doors, they’d rather you have no idea what is happening outside. This is because they figure that if players notice that it is getting dark outside or even that the sun is starting to come up, then they’d much likelier want to head to bed.
Sensory Overload
A casino is a symphony of sensory stimulation. Enter one and sirens, lights flashing, whirring slots, digital beeping, bells ringing will all confront you. These are in place to captivate players as a non-verbal cue signaling to their brain that they are going to win. It makes it seem like everyone in the casino is winning when the truth is that most of them are losing. However, even as people lose, their machines are sounding festive, happy sounds, which make people want to try their hand at the gambling action.
Mellow Atmosphere
Even with all the blaring casino sounds and lights, you’ll notice that most casinos have very mellow and low lighting. This is to portray a friendly, homey feel so that you feel comfortable remaining there for an extended period. Additionally, most casinos have carpeting with designs and patterns such as splashes, colorful swirls, and lines. Although these may come off as tacky, they are intended to mesmerize the brain and be pleasing to the eye, which makes people feel even more at home.
Labyrinth Design
Have you ever gotten lost in a casino? That likely happened because casinos are built to be vast mazes that are designed to get you lost. There is typically a plethora of tables and machines that are devised to be obstacles to keep players from leaving. Additionally, there is no logic in how casinos are arranged. You may find slot machines in one section and the same slot machines 500 feet away and the same ones another 500 feet away. These are all set up to confuse players and disorient them from knowing where in the casino they are, which in the end keeps them from finding the exit.