Underneath the flashing lights and free drinks, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics, engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their money. Mathematically inclined minds have for years sought to turn the tables by leveraging their knowledge of probability and game theory.
Those with gambling addictions find that the games keep them in the zone, even as they lose money. But there are ways to make a casino more pleasurable.
Origin
Although evidence of gambling has been found in many places throughout history, the modern casino was first developed in Italy. In 1638, the city of Venice opened its first government-sanctioned gambling house, called a Ridotto. The Ridotto was designed to provide a controlled gambling environment and allow for high stakes games. It was open to the general public, although it catered mainly to nobles.
Casinos grew in popularity throughout continental Europe in the 19th century, and were later introduced to the United States by early settlers from France. Blackjack is widely considered to have originated in the seventeenth century, either as a Spanish game known as ventiuna or as a French game called trente-un, but its exact origin is unclear. Regardless, the modern casino has become one of the most popular forms of gambling in the world. It is likely to continue to evolve, becoming more interactive and immersive for players. This may include social gaming websites and tournaments, or even virtual reality.
Functions
Casinos have a number of functions, the primary one being to get patrons to spend money. They pack in a huge volume of spending opportunities throughout the warren of tables, slots and machines and rely on advanced surveillance systems and a large security workforce to monitor activities.
It is virtually impossible for a casino to lose money on any of its games. This virtual assurance of gross profit enables casinos to offer big bettors extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, transportation, luxury living quarters and other perks.
Casino managers can further enhance profits by focusing on specific age groups and cultural backgrounds. For example, in a community that is heavily populated by Latin-Americans, hosting two to three events that celebrate the culture can help draw in local residents and expand the customer base. A casino can also host improv troupes and drag shows to attract comedy fans. This can work well in destinations where there are few or no comedy venues.
Security
A casino’s security measures must be robust enough to mitigate the risk of violence and robbery while maintaining a welcoming environment. Traditional security checkpoints, such as ID checks and bag searches, can be intrusive and dampen the overall ambiance. They can also be labor intensive and exacerbate operational costs.
Security systems must include high-definition cameras, allowing security personnel to spot even the most subtle movements. Cameras should be strategically positioned to cover gaming areas, cash handling zones, and entrances/exits. They should also be equipped with low-light performance to improve visibility.
Casinos should invest in remote monitoring systems that allow security staff to track suspicious activity in real-time. SafePointe, for instance, enables casinos to optimize security resource management while improving the safety of patrons and employees alike. This system also helps reduce costs by eliminating the need for security personnel to monitor critical areas in person. This self-sufficiency enables security teams to redirect their focus to more critical tasks.
Ambiance
The ambiance created by casinos is a combination of various elements that work together to make visitors feel comfortable and welcome. Music is a critical part of this ambiance, and it can be used to create different moods for the casino environment. Different genres of music are designed to inspire specific reactions and feelings in players. This can be achieved by changing the rhythm, tempo, and volume of the music.
For example, fast melodies are designed to increase the sense of excitement and urgency. This is ideal for areas where games such as poker are played, as it helps to keep players focused and engaged. On the other hand, jazz music is a good choice for lounge areas, as it can help to lower the tempo and promote social interactions.
Other ways to create the right atmosphere include using movie posters and art featuring card-related images. This can help to create a sophisticated and elegant look for the casino.