The Psychology Behind Casino Design and Layout
Everyone knows that casinos are specifically designed to make money. But did you know that it even extends to the layout of the casino floor? It’s true, everything from the location of the cashier to specific games ensures you will part with more of your hard-earned cash.
While the exact layout of a casino can vary, there are many aspects that are the same. Read on to learn more about the psychology behind casino design and layout.
Mazelike Design
The most obvious aspect of casino design is the maze-like design, which is supposed to make it difficult, if not impossible, to know exactly where you are in the casino. This design has been around since the 1960s and is still very popular in most casinos.
There are a few new designs emerging, though, and while we still believe they are maze-like, they aim to make more of a playground feel, with groups of machines rather than rows, increasing the interaction between players. We find that most casinos are a combination of the two.
No Clocks
Perhaps the most famous of all of the casino designs to encourage you to spend more money is the fact that there are no clocks. Though this continues to be the case in every casino we have seen, we do think this isn’t quite the hard-hitter to gamblers that it used to be. Today, every gambler carries a mini-computer (smart phone) in their pocket and can check the time anytime they wish to.
Slot Machines Near the Door
When you walk into a casino, you are immediately met with slot machines. This is by design. Slot machines are the easiest games to play and often the most visually appealing, meaning they are placed there to entice you in further—even if you ultimately don’t end up playing on those machines.
Many casinos take this a step further by putting the famous licensed machines here, such as the one featuring The Hangover or Britney Spears. This gives potential gamblers a sense of comfort and trust as they begin their gaming journey.
Table Games Hidden in the Back
Another reason slot machines are right in front of the entrance is that table games need to be hidden in the back. While table games are still money-makers for casinos, they don’t bring in the same amount as slot machines because they only take a portion of all bets rather than the entirety of the betting pool as they do for video machines.
Not only that, but table games require dealers, which increases the cost for the casino to run them. And if that’s still not enough reason, we also believe that most casinos work to keep the table games in the back because they can’t guarantee the appearance of people who sit and play. Slot machines are easy to curate, ensuring the best ones are in the front. But if an overweight man with low-hanging pants sits at a table to play blackjack, there is nothing the casino can do, and the last thing they want is to scare away potential gamblers who see that when they first walk in the door.
Incorporation of Water Elements
The sound of flowing water has long been a point of relaxation for humans, and casinos use this to their advantage. This is why large casinos in Las Vegas, such as The Mirage, The Bellagio, The Venetian, and the Aria have placed large fountains and relaxation areas in their casinos. They want customers to enter, and feel relaxed enough to continue gaming—rather than worrying about what was stressing them in the outside world.
Bars As Focal Points
As you navigate through a casino, when you aren’t traversing the rows of games, you will likely find yourself in round atrium areas, which feature a bar. This, too, is by design. Not only does the casino want to keep you playing, but if you aren’t playing, they want you drinking, which you can do at a bar.
Bars have long included social aspects that light up the pleasure centers of the brain, another reason casinos want them central. This way, a lonely gambler may be enticed by a cute bartender to have a beer and another go at a nearby machine. Plus, alcohol lowers inhibitions, which is exactly what the casino owners want.
Ugly Carpets
Even the nicest casinos have the ugliest carpets, and this is 100% a tactic to convince gamblers to spend more money. How, you ask? Well, if the carpet is so ugly you can’t bear to look at it, you’ll keep your gaze up—focused on the machines, bars, and water features. Everything the casino needs to keep you engaged and spending your money.
No Windows—But All the Skylights
Casinos don’t have windows. At least, not in the gaming area. But what you will notice is that casinos do their best to filter in natural light through skylights. This is for several reasons.
Windows at eye level would pull attention away from the game and possibly remind a gambler of some of their outside obligations, thus cutting play short. But at the same time, natural light is important to human happiness and a positive mood. Therefore, casinos have gotten the best of both worlds by allowing natural light in from the ceiling but ensuring it blocks sight via a beautiful design, so outside worries can’t trickle in.
Comfort Reigns Supreme
The last specific design by casinos to keep individuals gambling is comfort. No matter what it is—from the tables to the bar and even the bathroom, casinos are designed for you to feel comfortable sitting and gambling in front of a machine, because nothing makes you leave a place like discomfort.
Comfort is seen via the placement of couches, comfy gaming stools, and the cozy sports betting lounge. Above all else, you can’t deny that casinos are extremely comfy. Just remember that this is by design, so you spend more of your money on the games rather than needing an Advil.
But, despite any rumors you may have heard, casinos don’t pump in extra air to keep gamblers awake. That was just a rumor.
