Casino is one of Martin Scorsese’s most riveting movies. It lays bare how mafia-controlled Vegas became the playground of huge gambling corporations. It also explains how casinos made money hand over fist while giving little back to the city and its residents.
Most people don’t think about the psychology behind a casino when they place their bets, but casino operators use psychological tricks to make you want to play and keep coming back even though you know you’ll lose. They design the physical layout, color scheme, music and gameplay to create a euphoric environment that is designed to make you spend more money and keep playing.
While casino games can provide a lot of entertainment, it’s important to set limits on how much you can spend. If you start to lose control, set a timer and leave the casino when your budget is exhausted. Casinos offer complimentary rooms for the night, meals and gifts to players who are considered “good customers.” You can also get a player’s card at most casinos that will give you comps based on your play.
Many casinos offer free drinks to their guests, as they know alcohol will lower a person’s inhibitions and increase their likelihood of taking risks. They also know that tipsy gamblers are likely to make poor decisions, which will add to their profits. Casinos even waft scented oils through their ventilation systems to create a manufactured blissful experience that will keep you wanting to return.