Casino floors are designed to capture the attention of patrons and encourage prolonged play. With a maze-like structure and winding pathways, casinos strategically use design to entertain visitors and keep them gambling longer.
A dazzling array of flashing slot machines, blackjack tables and exuberant Craps players greet guests as they enter. But while casino amenities have improved greatly, the gaming floor is still the biggest revenue driver.
Space
Clever layouts, subliminal messaging and strategic positioning of services lure players inside, keep them playing longer, and boost revenue. Casinos use a variety of strategies to keep players gambling, including setting up different zones that cater to their individual gaming preferences.
Casinos often design their floors with winding paths that make them feel like mazes, which increases the time people spend in them. The lack of direct routes also encourages exploration and exposes players to more games, which leads them to try their luck at tables or machines they wouldn’t have otherwise looked at.
Some casinos even place their restaurants, bars and entertainment stages strategically to draw in players and entice them to play for longer periods of time. Easy access to amenities is also important because players will leave the floor if they have to stop their gaming session to search for a table or restroom. They will come back when they can find those things easily and quickly.
Traffic
Casinos may seem mesmerizingly captivating, and there is a reason for it. Everything from the layout to the lighting is carefully crafted to influence players and keep them immersed in their gaming experience.
Casino layouts often feature winding paths and a lack of direct exit points to make players feel like they are stuck inside a maze, keeping them playing longer. In addition, casinos strategically place games that have bright colors or flashy lights near entrances to attract players with visual and auditory stimulation.
Table games are also arranged in ways to encourage social interactions and increase player engagement. Placing communal games such as blackjack tables near entrances helps to create a lively atmosphere, while grouping high-stakes tables in exclusive sections elevates the perceived prestige associated with those games. Finally, maximizing space for amenities like bars, restaurants, and entertainment stages keeps players on the casino floor and boosts overall revenue.
Amenities
Contemporary casino designs prioritize open spaces that offer plenty of gaming options and attractive amenities. These flexible layouts ensure that casinos can adapt to changing gaming trends and customer preferences. A thoughtful layout will enhance the visitor experience and encourage exploration of the casino floor.
Casinos also strategically position specific games based on their popularity and profitability. High-stakes table games, for example, are often positioned in secluded areas to create an exclusive environment that attracts serious gamblers. Conversely, popular slot machines are usually positioned in prominent locations to entice players and passersby.
To further encourage play, casinos remove clocks and windows from their buildings to create a timeless atmosphere. This allows gamblers to lose track of time and continue playing for hours without realizing how much time has passed. This type of design has been proven to increase gambling time and profits.
Atmosphere
Casinos aren’t just glamorous and mesmerizing; they’re designed with a specific purpose to subtly guide players towards spending more time and money. Just like grocery stores, casinos employ various layout strategies to keep people inside longer and make them spend more.
Friedman argued that a maze-like design increased the amount of time people spent playing games and attracting new customers. He recommended low ceilings and segmented gambling areas to create a more intimate environment that encourages interaction between players. He also believed that the appearance of more people around a particular table or machine signals success, which keeps people coming back to try their luck.
Other strategies include hidden exits, haphazard curving arcs of machines and tables, and few clocks or windows to distract players from realizing how much time they’re losing. These tactics work because they appeal to the senses, and humans love to engage their senses. The bright lights, the sound of pennies dropping in slot machines, and even the smell of certain scented candles are all designed to trigger the reward center of the brain.
