Have you ever lost track of time while you were at a casino? Of course you did! It’s not just because you love gambling, but something about casinos just keeps you hooked. Casinos are cleverly designed to make sure you stay there for a long time.
Whether you’re at a famous casino in Vegas or some small gambling venue nearby, you’ll notice the absence of clocks and windows inside.
It’s not just a coincidence that they forgot to put a clock on the wall or build some windows for fresh air to pass – it’s a well-thought-out strategy to keep gamblers engaged without any distractions (the only distractions you’ll find are those cocktail waitresses trying to get you tipsy for the sake of casino, so watch out for that)
From a labyrinth layout that makes it difficult to find the exit to complimentary alcohol, casinos would do anything to suck money out of your pocket. If you stay there way longer than planned, you’ll have higher chances of losing all your money. Every detail and every tactic is meticulously designed to tap into your psychology.
So, why don’t casinos have clocks and windows anyway? Let’s dive into the post to find out.
With dim lights and loud sounds, the inside of the casino feels the same 24/7. The absence of windows ensures that the bright sunlight won’t distract you from playing. You can keep gambling for hours without realizing that night has turned into day. This setup helps you forget about the outside world.
Without the interference of bright sunlight, players won’t have issues with visual distractions like glaring cards. For instance, in a blackjack game, if sunlight causes a shine on the dealer's cards, some players might not be able to see the cards properly. This can lead to mistakes in making the right decision about whether to hit, stand, or double down.
Similarly, bluffing also requires a high level of concentration and a calm demeanor. The glaring cards and bright sunlight shining directly into their eyes will make it harder to maintain their poker face.
By eliminating sunlight, casinos ensure that the playing environment is consistent and fair to all the players, maintaining the integrity of the game.
Casino robberies aren't just the stuff of movies; they often draw from real-life heists. The absence of windows in casinos isn’t just about keeping the players inside; it’s also a key security measure. Windows can compromise the safety of the casino, making it tough to protect the 'piggy bank' 24/7.
Windows are like an open invitation to potential thieves as they offer robbers potential escape routes and entry points. By not having windows, casinos reduce the risks of notorious escapes and scams, ensuring they remain secure and difficult to penetrate.
Some big casinos (without windows), like the Stardust casino, lost $5M in a daring robbery, and the Crown casino saw $33 M disappear in a clever scheme. Imagine how disastrous it would be if casinos had windows.
Now you would wonder how people inside casinos breathe anyway. A few people think that they pump artificial oxygen, but that’s just a myth. It’s highly illegal as it can put the entire casino on fire.
Truth is, casinos have an amazing ventilation system that maintains the flow of fresh air. Fragrances also play a sneaky role; originally used to cover up smoke, it’s now used strategically to make you feel comfortable and keep you coming back. Studies even show certain scents can force people to gamble more.
Without clocks, you’ll easily lose track of time. In casinos, they leave out clocks and windows on purpose to mess with your sense of time. This sneaky move keeps the player glued to the tables, spending more without realizing how long they’ve been at.
The same idea pops up in malls and retail stores, too — less daylight and fewer time reminders make you stay longer and maybe buy more stuff. Places like the Venetian in Vegas even paint their ceiling to look like you’re outdoors. Though the lighting changes, you still can’t guess which time of the day it is.
Casinos intentionally don’t put up clocks as it would cause anxiety in gamblers. Casinos want their players to enjoy for as long as possible. Besides, when you’re not staring at the time, you’ll have your full concentration on the game. However, when players chase their losses, it means more money for the casino.
Another factor that runs into play is the temporal distortion. It is when your sense of time feels different because of where you are or what you are doing. With an immersive environment, casinos keep the players engaged for longer. You keep thinking that you want to gamble a few more minutes and when you realize it you have been playing for hours instead of minutes.
The maze-like structure, offering access to additional games and bars beyond gaming floors, plays a crucial role in increasing the casino's revenue.
The clocks are not ticking when you’re at a casino. Casinos are expertly designed to suck every penny out of your pocket. The environment creates a sense of timelessness, where daylight and external distractions are intentionally excluded to enhance your gaming experience.
By manipulating your perception of time and surroundings, casinos ensure that you stay longer, play more, and ultimately contribute to their bottom line. The colored lights also make you gamble more. It was also found that players bet faster under red lights than under white lights and with boring music.
You can avoid this trap by setting time limits. Don’t forget to wear your watch so you know when is a good time to leave. Set a gambling budget and avoid chasing losses beyond your bankroll. Gambling is a highly addictive activity, so make sure to gamble responsibly.
