How Casinos Manipulate Gamblers
A casino might seem like a fun place to spend your Saturday night, but it isn’t just about glitzy lights and clinking slot machines. Casinos are designed with specific psychological tricks to make gamblers spend more and crave coming back, even if they lose. The pulsating music, the scent of food and the brightly colored lights all create a manufactured sense of happiness and euphoria that keeps people betting. Learn more about the ways casinos manipulate patrons into gambling away their money below.
Aside from the actual games, the biggest draw to a casino is the atmosphere. There is always something to see and do, whether you are testing your luck at poker or roulette, or staking your money on the next big win in blackjack. Most casino visitors don’t think about the design of the casino or how it is intentionally designed to make them feel a certain way, but this is exactly the intention. Casinos want you to stay and play and they are willing to do anything to ensure that happens, from offering free hotel rooms and dinners to limo service and airline tickets. These “comps” are given to the casino’s “good” players, which in this case are those who spend more than they should.
While many casino patrons are a mixed bag of people, on the surface they are all looking to have a good time. There are the regulars who strut around tables with confidence, hoping to win their next big hand, and there are those who have come to try and get back what they lost on their last trip. The energy is palpable, and the music blaring and coins clinking make for an intoxicating atmosphere.
Gambling is a huge industry that brings in billions of dollars annually, but it’s also a massive social problem. Besides the obvious risk of addiction, there are other dangers to be concerned about, including the fact that it hurts local economies, reduces property values and increases crime rates. This is why most jurisdictions have strict regulations in place to protect gamblers.
In the past, mobster control of casinos was the norm, but with government crackdowns and the possibility of losing their gambling license at the slightest hint of Mafia involvement, gangsters gave way to large corporations that have taken over Vegas. However, despite their size and antiseptic corporate appearances, these corporations have the same problems as the mobsters did, just on a much grander scale.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid getting ripped off by casinos is to set limits for how much you can afford to lose and stick to that number. Remember that this is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. It is also a good idea to start with a fixed amount that you can comfortably afford to lose and never increase your bets when you’re losing. Also, if you are having trouble with compulsive gambling, seek help from a counselor or a therapist who specializes in gambling addiction.