Casino is Martin Scorsese’s take on the mob’s grip over Vegas. It’s an epic story of corruption and greed that features no good guys. But even though the film is rife with treachery, violence, and avarice, it manages to stay compelling and tense throughout its runtime.
The movie also delves into the psychology of gambling and how casinos are designed to influence the behavior of players. For example, many casinos hide essential amenities like restrooms and cash machines deep within their gambling floor so that players have to walk past enticing games every time they want to use the bathroom or make a withdrawal. This tactic is effective because it keeps players in the casino longer, increasing their chances of making bad judgments that can lead to costly losses.
Another popular trick is to use digital credits instead of real money, so that players don’t feel the full impact of their losses. This makes the gambling experience more psychologically detached from reality and allows players to spend more than they would otherwise.
Casinos also offer loyalty programs that reward regular players with perks like free meals, drinks, hotel rooms, or exclusive access to events and VIP lounges. This incentive encourages players to continue gambling, as the more they play, the more rewards they’ll earn. Ultimately, this strategy helps casinos offset the house edge—the mathematical advantage that all casino games have against the player. This ensures that casinos don’t lose money over time, and it entices players to keep gambling in hopes of eventually winning big.
