Beneath the veneer of flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are mathematically engineered to slowly bleed their patrons of cash. For years, mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn the tables by using game theory and probability to exploit weaknesses in a rigged system. But in truth, there is only one way to beat a casino: Don’t play.
It’s happened to all of us: You stride into the Luxor, Mohegan Sun, or Tropicana brimming with confidence and a wallet full of cash. You plan for a bit of enjoyable, sensible gambling and maybe two rounds of cocktails. Hours later, you have no idea what time it is or how much money you’ve lost. How did this happen?
Every aspect of a casino, from the bright, temperate environment to the sounds and physical design, is designed to trick you into spending more money. Here are nine tricks casinos use to keep you hooked.