Whether you’re hitting the slots or putting on your best poker face, a casino is an amazing place to scratch that gambling itch. But, even if you’re not a gambler, there’s something about these glitzy places that make them fascinating to non-gamblers as well. From dazzling lights to gourmet food, the enchantment of a casino is enough to inspire movies like Ocean’s Eleven and its many sequels.
But, despite their glamorous appeal, casinos are a business with a strict set of rules that ensure profitability. Most games, from baccarat to roulette, are mathematically structured to give the house an advantage over players, which is known as the house edge.
To counter this, casinos use a variety of tricks and tactics to keep customers gambling and spending more money than they have to. For example, they pump out a pleasant smell that wafts throughout the casino to create an artificial sense of happiness. They also strategically place popular games in high visibility areas, enticing patrons with their bright lights and enticing sounds. On the other hand, tables and cards that require a degree of skill tend to be hidden in less-visited corners.
And, to further entice customers, casinos offer a wide range of perks and incentives. This is known as comping and it’s a key component of why casinos are so successful at drawing in gamblers. For example, a player that loses $2,000 at a casino might be offered a free room or other incentive to come back and try their luck again.