Casinos make money by attracting patrons with their lavish hotels, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate themes. But the vast majority of this revenue comes from gambling, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

Game of Chance

Most games at a casino have a mathematically determined advantage for the casino, called a house edge. This edge, which is usually less than two percent, makes it impossible for a player to win more than the casino can afford.

Gambling Addiction

Increasing numbers of people are becoming addicted to casino gambling, especially as they become more accessible through online casinos. These addictions are a major problem for both the casinos and their local communities.

The sunk cost fallacy is on full display whenever a gambler follows up a losing bet with an even bigger one. However, casinos take the sting out of losses by offering reward programs that see you earn points with every dollar you play, even if you lose it.

Bright and Colorful Interiors

Unlike most other buildings, casinos keep their interiors lit the same both day and night. They also use bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings that are thought to make people lose track of time.

A casino’s floor and walls are often decorated with a bright red hue, which is thought to cause people to feel sleepy and to distract them from the games they are playing. This may explain why casinos have a high rate of gambling addicts, who are more likely to gamble on weekends than weekdays.