How Casinos Are Designed to Trick People Into Gambling

You stride into the casino brimming with confidence, wallet filled with cash, and plans for an enjoyable, sensible evening of gambling and perhaps two rounds of cocktails. Hours later you’re wondering what time it is and how much money you’ve lost—again. That’s because, as Business Insider explains, casinos are designed to trick people into spending their money. They use sounds, lights, and physical design to create an environment that is both welcoming and hard to step away from.

The movie Casino, starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as mobster partners Ace and Nicky, is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Nicholas Pileggi, who had full access to a man who ran four casinos for the mob in Vegas for years. The film lays bare the intricate web of corruption that centered in Las Vegas, with tendrils reaching into politicians, Teamsters unions, and Midwest mafia organizations.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is the way casinos are designed to manipulate players. They use a combination of cues to make it difficult for players to leave, including windows tinted to match the brightness of the casino and curving paths lined with enticing gaming sections. They also use scented oils that waft through ventilation systems to help players feel more relaxed.

There are many other ways casinos encourage their customers to gamble, including setting minimum bets that succeed in reducing a player’s bankroll quickly, increasing the house edge of certain games, and charging for amenities that used to be free. In addition, they employ tricks such as near-misses to keep players coming back for more.