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The Top 12 Casino Psychology Tactics Used on Players

The Top 12 Casino Psychology Tactics Used on Players

By Cyndi Fifield, Lindy Lamielle, Karolina Murchova, and Michael Barbera Ph.D.

Imagine you’re entering a casino and your senses are dazzled by the lively atmosphere that is complete with lights, sounds, drinks, and food, which keeps players entertained and comfortable, feeding the thrill and hope that you could be the next big winner. Happily, players move around the casino floor oblivious to the fact that these gambling establishments are employing casino psychology tactics to keep people playing and spending more.

Casino design has a long history of controversy when it comes to creating the most effective spaces to entrap guests and keep them spending. If you’ve ever been to a casino where there are slot machines near the entrance to the hotel, gambling equipment featured as the main decor, winding and often confusing pathways through the space, and low ceilings, then you’ve observed applied psychology in action. The following are 12 tactics are used by casinos to manipulate gamblers into playing for as long as possible and to contribute to the phrase, “the house always wins.”

#1 NO CLOCKS AND NO WINDOWS

Good luck finding the time if you don’t wear a watch to the casino or forgot your phone at home. Time has little meaning in a casino. Most often, you won’t find a clock insight and it isn’t likely you’ll find windows or skylights to help you determine if it’s light or dark outside. Casinos are purposely designed to look the same, regardless of the hour. Whether it is 3 am or 3 pm, the atmosphere is unchanging. When you’re in the casino, your internal sense of time shuts off. Players who don’t know the time are less likely to quit playing.

#2 CRAZY CARPETS

Most customers of casinos will agree that gambling establishments have the gaudiest carpets. These brightly colored carpets with wild swirling patterns and psychedelic designs are intentional. They are, in fact, another one of the casino’s psychological attempts to keep players alert and happy, encouraging them to play more. A garish carpet isn’t likely to lull your eyes to sleep; however, they are likely to stimulate the mind and keep people awake and alert. 

#3 BRIGHT LIGHTS AND PLEASING SOUNDS

Casinos are a symphony of continuous sound, lights, and color. Flashing slot machine lights and happy, upbeat noises captivate players and boost their moods, making them feel excited and hopeful they could win. The majority of the machines are alive with sound and lights, drawing people in and encouraging players to continue placing their bets. In addition to sound effects and other noise, must casinos play a soundtrack of music that is pleasing to the ear. In some cases, the music may be soft, repetitive, and easy listening, for the purpose of putting gamblers in a trance-like state. While sometimes, music may be upbeat and stimulating. Additionally, different genres of music are likely to have different effects on consumer decision-making based on industry and geographic location. 

#4 THE CASINO FLOOR IS BUILT LIKE A LABYRINTH

​​You’ve had a good time and you’re ready to leave the casino. That’s when you realize you’re not sure how to exit the casino. You start making your way through the maze of tantalizing slot machines and game tables, only to find yourself encountering more of these tempting traps at every turn as you search for the exit. The confusion you experience as you attempt to navigate the labyrinth-like design is normal, and it is one of the many behavioral tactics employed by casinos to keep players gambling. Casinos are virtually void of landmarks, making it easy for players to get lost. In addition to alluring games, the labyrinth could make it difficult to leave. If you’re a fan of furniture retailer IKEA, you might find the IKEA shopping experience to be similar to a casino. 

#5 ​​SERVICES ARE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED WITHIN A CASINO

Hungry? Need to use the bathroom? Want to cash out your chips or ticket? You got it; however, be prepared to encounter tempting casino game action along the way. Restrooms, restaurants, and the cashier tend to be situated deep inside the building. You’re unlikely to have difficulty locating these amenities, yet they’re purposely located deep within the casino. The most common behavior identified following the use of these amenities is the departure of the establishment. When you’re finished with the restrooms, restaurants, or cashier, you’ll be subjected to the sea of eye-catching gambling entertainment during your long walk to the exit. This tactic is the casino’s last-ditch effort to convert the customer who is willing to make that final impulse bet.

#6 PLAY WITH DIGITAL CREDITS, NOT WITH CASH

Although the gambling adventure may begin with cash, after the player feeds their money into a slot or video poker machine, the cash becomes digital credits. It’s easy to forget how much money is being gambled without inserting tangible, paper cash into the machine each time a bet is placed. A ticket is printed with the remaining balance once the player cashes out from the machine; therefore, it’s easy to feed that ticket into another machine and keep playing since the player is not holding tangible, paper money in their hand. A visit to the cashier is the method of receiving winnings. Casinos make it easy for you to play, yet not easy for you to walk away.

#7 NEAR WINS KEEP YOU SPINNING FOR THE JACKPOT

Casinos could lose the interest of their customers if a machine or table did not pay out the occasional small win to players. Casinos manipulate players into believing they have a chance at winning by designing the machines to tease players with near wins and appease them with small payouts. Players are likely to continue feeding their money into the casino because they believe a big win is close. For example, a player may need three cherries to win the jackpot, perpetually spinning two cherries isn’t getting the player any closer to the win, yet the casino is attempting to convince otherwise. 

#8 A SENSE OF CONTROL

Some casino games are designed to provide players with a feeling of control. For example, Craps lets you roll the dice, Keno lets you pick the numbers, while Blackjack and other card games let you decide what move you’ll make after the cards are dealt. This illusion of control could provide some gamblers with an illusion of having a higher possibility of winning, which could result in them playing for longer periods of time. 

#9 EVERYONE SEES THE BIG WIN

If a player visits casinos often, eventually, they’ll encounter another player hitting the jackpot. You’ll likely know when it happens. All the bells and whistles go off, lights flash, and the staff shows up to administer the win. Drawing this kind of attention catches the interest of other players and is among the cleverest psychological tactics of casinos. The most persuasive thing a brand could do is show that other people are doing it, too; therefore, “If they can win, maybe I can, too.”

#10 COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOL

Complimentary drinks are slightly more salient than other freebies or comps from the casino for two significant reasons. First, alcohol affects the cognitive decision and reaction process. A player who avoids getting drunk can still make poor decisions under the influence of alcohol. Second, players who are buzzed or drunk are far more likely to be liberal with their money. Alcohol is extremely likely to corrupt the way a gambler thinks, which is often a detriment to them yet a benefit to the casino. Complimentary booze is arguably one of the most persuasive tactics used by casinos to encourage gamblers to spend.

#11 FREE PERKS FOR LOYAL PLAYERS AND HIGH ROLLERS

Just like free drinks, casinos are also known to give away other freebies to loyal players, especially to high rollers (the big spenders), their most important players. Some of the free perks offered to players may include free hotel rooms, luxurious suites, food, tickets to shows, and other prizes. All of these comps that the casino gives out “free” to players, make players (both low and high rollers) feel important. They feel they have gained something even when they’ve lost, which makes it more likely they’ll return. Whatever the casinos offer in perks, they likely receive a return on investment from the player’s increased willingness to return. 

#12 OXYGEN

One of the more bizarre tactics casinos employ is increased levels of oxygen in their establishments to help keep players awake. Pumping in this extra oxygen from pressurized tanks, help gamblers to feel refreshed and alert, which enables them to gamble for longer, without getting tired. Additionally, a few select casinos release pheromones, which would promote feelings of comfort and euphoria, making the environment all the more appealing and addictive.

Remember these casino psychology tactics in mind the next time you visit the casino and use this knowledge to your advantage. You’ll have a far more gratifying experience and a lot more fun when you remember that, no matter how much a casino might attempt to entrap you, ultimately, you are the one in control of your actions.

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      MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT

      LAST UPDATED AUGUST 6, 2019

      This Master Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into this day by and between Clicksuasion Labs. (“Clicksuasion”), 293 Olmsted Blvd, Second Floor, Pinehurst, NC 28374, USA, on behalf of itself and its owned and operated affiliates, and (“Client”), in the delivery of consulting and other professional services, collectively the “Parties”   This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice.

      1. DEFINITIONS:
      • “Services” means any products and services that are requested by Client, whether electronic, written or verbal to Clicksuasion.
      • “Website” collectively refers to all Internet websites and domains owned by Clicksuasion.
      • “Exploratory”, “Discovery” means all communication, whether electronic, written or verbal with the intent to agree upon a SOW.
      • “Client” means any person or entity who requests Services or engages in Exploratory or Discovery communication with the intent to hire Clicksuasion Services.

       

      1. SCOPE: “Clicksuasion” shall provide consulting, research and other professional services to Client or to Client’s clients.

       

      1. WORK ASSIGNMENTS: The specific services to be provided by Clicksuasion shall be described in one or more Statements of Work (“SOW”) (or “Proposal”) issued pursuant to this Agreement and agreed upon in writing by the Parties prior to the termination of this Agreement, except where mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 16. The SOW shall be incorporated herein by reference and all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall apply to the SOW as if fully set forth therein. The SOW shall include a summary of the work, skills required, fees to be paid, and instructions on reimbursable expenses.  In the event of any conflict between the contents of any SOW and this Agreement, the SOW shall govern.

       

      1. USE OF CLICKSUASION WEBSITES: visit TERMS OF USE: clicksuasion.com/termsofuse

       

      1. INVOICING AND PAYMENT: We will invoice Client at the beginning of any project and when stated in the SOW. Unless otherwise stated, invoiced charges are due net-thirty (30) days from the invoice date. Client is responsible for providing complete and accurate billing and contact information to Clicksuasion and promptly notifying Clicksuasion of any changes to such information, including, without limitation, Client’s obligation to promptly report any Services-related performance issues or problems negatively impacting Client’s satisfaction with the Services so that Clicksuasion may attempt to remedy such. For clarity, if Client fails to notify Clicksuasion of a Services-related issue within five days from incurring it, such issue may not be relied upon as a reason to terminate this Agreement for Cause. In the event that payment is made via a third party agent, Client shall indemnify Clicksuasion and keep Clicksuasion indemnified against any loss, damage, costs and expenses Clicksuasion may suffer or incur as a result of any default by the third party agent in making payment in accordance with the terms of the SOW or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement. Client further authorize Clicksuasion to use a third party to process payments, and consent to the disclosure of your payment information to such third party. Clicksuasion shall invoice Client for fees and direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred as per the SOW. Payment in full is due upon completion of work or if other arrangements have been made between Clicksuasion and Client. Invoices unpaid after 15-days shall incur a late fee of 24 percent per annum until paid in full. Billing shall be on a time and materials basis.  Client’s non-payment of any Invoice shall entitle the Clicksuasion to stop performance under the terms of this Agreement, any Amendments thereto and/or any SOW without recourse by Client. Client is responsible for all fees and damages associated with the collection and legal solutions of late payments. All non-disclosure agreements between Client and Clicksuasion are void upon the first aged invoice 30-days past due. Additionally, the non-disclosure agreement must be re-signed by both parties to be effective beyond the first aged invoice 30-days past due. If any amount owed by Client under this or any other agreement for Clicksuasion services is thirty or more days overdue, Clicksuasion may, without limiting Clicksuasion’s other rights and remedies, accelerate Client’s unpaid fee obligations under such agreements so that all such obligations become immediately due and payable, and suspend Client Services until such amounts are paid in full. Clicksuasion will give Client at least seven days’ prior notice that the Client account is overdue before suspending services to Client.

       

      1. ENGAGEMENT NOTICE: A request for services, whether electronic or verbal, to members of Clicksuasion and the acceptance of the request of services from Clicksuasion will constitute a signed writing. All requested services, without a signed agreement, are billed monthly at $490.00 USD per hour. Client is subject to a $270.00 USD charge upon two consecutive missed meetings, whether electronic, telephonic or in-person, regardless of geographic location. Clients with ten (10) or less full-time W2-structured employees are billed $10,000.00 USD to be held in escrow for discussions related to research. All monies held in escrow will be billed at $490.00 USD during the exploratory process and all remaining funds, if applicable, will be returned to Client upon completion of the SOW or after an agreement is signed between both parties to cancel the SOW, whichever is first.

       

      1. VENDOR NOTICE: No employee of Clicksuasion has the authority to conclude any binding contract without an explicit ink-signed consent by the Chief Behavioral Officer. Therefore, any will to enter into an agreement must be confirmed by the Chief Behavioral Officer.

       

      1. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: The Parties recognize and agree that Clicksuasion is an independent contractor. This Agreement is not to be construed to create an employment relationship between Client and Clicksuasion’s employees or subcontractors. This Agreement does not authorize either party to enter into any commitment or agreement binding on the other party. Clicksuasion shall have sole responsibility for the payment of salary (including withholding of income taxes and social security), worker’s compensation, disability benefits, and all other applicable taxes for its personnel.

       

      1. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: Each Party agrees not to directly or indirectly disclose to third parties any of the other party’s confidential or proprietary information without the written consent of the disclosing party. Neither party shall, during the time the Clicksuasion is rendering services to the Client or any time thereafter, disclose to anyone other than authorized personnel any information of a confidential nature, including but not limited to, information relating to: any materials or intellectual property supplied by one Party to the other Party; either Party’s projects or programs; the technical, commercial or any other affairs or acts of the other Party or any confidential information which either Party has received from a third party and which has been identified as confidential. The restrictions contained in this Agreement are intended to cover confidential information which relates to the Parties’ respective businesses and which has not been otherwise made public but shall not apply to the dissemination which may be required by proper government or judicial inquiry. Likewise, confidential information shall not be deemed to be information which is in the public domain or which at some future point become available in the public domain. All non-disclosure agreements between Client and Clicksuasion are void upon the first aged invoice 30-days past due. Additionally, the non-disclosure agreement must be re-signed by both parties to be effective beyond the first aged invoice 30-days past due.

       

      1. WORK PRODUCT RIGHTS: Clicksuasion shall retain all rights, title, interest and ownership in the work product delivered pursuant to this Agreement, any Amendments thereto and the SOW as well as the Clicksuasion’s proprietary tools and methodologies which shall remain the sole property of Clicksuasion. For work product produced under the terms of this Agreement, upon payment in full of Clicksuasion’s Invoices, Client shall be granted a paid up, non-exclusive, irrevocable, world-wide license for all such work product to reproduce, distribute copies to the public and prepare derivative works by or on behalf of Client. Client agrees to permit Clicksuasion to publish Client data and case studies, without personally identifiable information, and without distribution of confidential information, for the purpose of advancing behavioral science via academic journals and Clicksuasion websites and distribution channels.

       

      1. TAXES: Client shall be responsible for all federal, state, and local sales, use, privilege, or excise taxes assessed on the charges to Client’s end users in relation to services provided hereunder (if Client is a tax-exempt organization and therefore there may be no taxes). Clicksuasion shall be responsible for all federal, state, and local sales, use, privilege, or excise taxes assessed on Clicksuasion’s income for these services.

       

      1. CLIENT LIST: Client agrees that Clicksuasion may include Client in its published client list and may display Client’s logo and trademark in its marketing materials and public relations; provided such use conforms to Client’s logo and trademark standards as such standards are provided to Clicksuasion.

       

      1. NON-SOLICITATION: During the term of the applicable SOW and for one year thereafter, neither Party shall solicit, entice, offer employment, retain or hire the other Party’s employees or contractors, without the written agreement of the other Party; nor shall Clicksuasion solicit or enter into a direct contract with Client’s client without the written agreement of Client.

       

      1. WARRANTIES: Clicksuasion warrants that the Services to be provided under this Agreement shall be performed in a professional manner conforming to generally accepted industry standards and practices. Client agrees that Clicksuasion sole and exclusive obligation with respect to the Services covered by this limited warranty shall be, at Clicksuasion sole discretion, to correct the nonconformity or to refund the Services Fees paid for the affected Services.

       

      1. TERM OF AGREEMENT: This Agreement commences on the date Client executes the SOW or requests service, whichever is first, or Client access any Clicksuasion Services and this Agreement continues until all services granted in accordance with this Agreement have expired or been terminated.

       

      1. TERMINATION: This Agreement may be terminated or amended at any time only upon written agreement by both parties with 30-days written notice; however, all payments made to Clicksuasion and the rights and obligations which by their nature are intended to survive such expiration or earlier termination shall survive, including without limitation warranty, limitation of liability, and confidentiality. Client may request that Clicksuasion reassign any of its personnel assigned to a SOW upon Clicksuasion’s receipt of Client’s written notice.

       

      1. LIABILITY FOR LOSS: Neither Party shall be responsible for any consequential, indirect, punitive, incidental, or special damages arising under any theory of recovery. The maximum liability of either Party is limited to fees paid by or payable to Clicksuasion for Clicksuasion’s services. Client acknowledges that Clicksuasion shall not be responsible for damages or delays of any kind or type caused by labor strikes, fires, wars, acts of God, terrorist activities, the inability to obtain supplies or materials or any other causes or forces beyond the control of the Clicksuasion. Client acknowledges that such events may delay the start, progress and/or the completion of the work.  Moreover, Client acknowledges and agrees the Clicksuasion shall have no further liability upon Client’s receipt of Services.  Client also acknowledges and agrees that any changes made to the website by Client’s personnel and/or by third parties which require the Company to do additional work after delivery of Services shall be billed by Clicksuasion to the Client on a time and materials basis.

       

      1. WAIVER: No delay or failure by either Party to exercise any right or remedy will operate as a waiver thereof.

       

      1. SEVERABILITY: If any part of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unlawful for any reason, the same shall be deemed severed from the remainder thereof and it shall in no way affect or impair the validity of the Agreement, any Amendments thereto and/or the SOW.

       

      1. ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by either party without written agreement of both Parties, which assignment shall not be unreasonably withheld, qualified or delayed.

       

      1. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina without reference to any principles of choice or conflicts of laws. Any action instituted by either party arising out of this Agreement, the SOW or the Proposal shall be litigated exclusively in Moore County, North Carolina.  The Parties expressly consent to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of Moore County, North Carolina.

       

      1. COSTS OF ENFORCEMENT: If a suit, action, arbitration, or other proceeding of any nature whatsoever is instituted in connection with any controversy arising out of this Agreement, or to interpret or enforce any rights under this Agreement or the North Carolina Limited Liability Company Act, Clicksuasion may recover attorney’s fees and costs.

       

      1. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior understandings between the Parties. Any change to this Agreement shall be in the form of a written Amendment signed by both Parties.  In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the signed Amendment, the Amendment shall control.

       

      1. JOINT DRAFTING OF AGREEMENT: The Parties expressly agree that this Agreement was jointly drafted and that both Parties have had the opportunity to negotiate terms and to review the terms prior to the execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed neither against nor in favor of either Party but shall be construed in a neutral manner.

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