When you walk into a casino, the music blaring and coins clinking, it seems like a place full of fun and happiness. And for the most part, it is. But what you may not know is that casinos are specifically designed to lead you into spending more money than you originally intended to. It’s all in the visual design, the sounds, and even the physical layout to lure you back for more. Here are nine tricks they use to keep you gambling and spending.
1. They use a variety of colors to trick you into thinking it’s daytime.
When you enter a casino, it’s almost impossible to figure out what time of the day it is. From window tints to brightly colored carpets, casinos are designed to fool you into thinking it’s daytime. This is especially true of the casino ceilings, which are often painted to look like a daytime sky.
2. They offer a range of games that challenge different levels of skill.
Table games like blackjack and poker provide an adrenaline rush by allowing players to compete against one another in a game of strategy. Slot machines are a more laidback option, while roulette provides an opportunity to test your luck with numbers.
3. They encourage you to play more by offering reward programs.
From free meals to cash backs, many casinos offer rewards that incentivize you to continue playing. By letting you earn points for every dollar you spend, the more you gamble, the better chance of earning a free meal or some cash back. This is a good example of the sunk cost fallacy at work, and why it’s important to only gamble with money you can afford to lose.