How Casinos Use Psychological Tactics to Keep Gamblers in the Building
The word casino is synonymous with glamour, luxury, and elite leisure. It’s no wonder that casinos are constantly trying to up the ante on their guests with new and innovative ways to lure them in. In an effort to keep their money-losing patrons inside the building, casinos have developed a wide array of psychological tactics. OLBG has taken a look at nine of the most common ones.
The flashing lights and pulsating music in casinos create a manufactured sense of bliss that tricks players into thinking they’re winning all the time. The dazzling environment is designed to distract gamblers from the fact that the odds are heavily against them, and near wins can entice people into playing even longer.
Casinos also use digital credits or chips rather than cash to make gambling feel less like spending real money, allowing them to compel gamblers to spend more money. And since most casinos don’t have clocks or windows, the lack of external cues leads players to lose track of how much time has passed, making it easier to stay and continue gambling.
Perhaps the most controversial tactic is the one that makes it difficult to leave a casino. In an attempt to keep players hooked, most casinos encourage gamblers to stay by offering them free food, drinks, and rooms. While it may seem like a win-win situation, it’s actually a huge scam. This entraps gamblers into staying and spending more than they would have otherwise, making the casino’s profits soar.