More than 51 million people visit casinos in the United States every year. From the glamorous casinos in Las Vegas to the smoky pai gow tables of New York City’s Chinatown, these gambling havens offer a taste of excitement for almost everyone. While many of these visitors are looking for a quick win, the truth is that winning at casino games requires luck and a lot of practice.
In order to keep customers on the premises and spending their money, casinos use a variety of psychological tactics. One such tactic involves the use of slot machines and electronic games that produce “near wins.” These near wins trigger the brain’s reward system, similar to an actual win, leading players to believe they are just a few spins away from hitting the jackpot. This will keep them playing for longer in the hope of finally hitting that big payout.
Another trick casinos employ is the strategic placement of essential amenities like restaurants, toilets and cash machines deep within the gaming floor. This forces players to walk past numerous slot machines and other casino games on their way to these facilities, which increases the chances of making a spur-of-the-moment decision to continue playing.
Martin Scorsese’s Casino is a riveting film that captures the thrill and pitfalls of gambling. It features outstanding performances by Robert De Niro as ruthless mobster Don Santoro and Sharon Stone as the blonde hustler Ginger McKenna. Although some of the movie’s scenes may be over-the-top, Scorsese never lets the tension lapse. Even though Casino is over three hours long, it never lags or runs out of steam towards the end.