For many people, casinos are a fun way to spend a night out with friends. However, most are unaware that these gambling establishments have been carefully designed to make their guests spend more money and crave coming back even after they’ve lost a lot of cash. From elaborate light fixtures to endless rows of slot machines, this article takes a closer look at the tricks casinos use to manipulate their guests.
In addition to physical security, modern casinos also employ specialized security departments that oversee the casino’s closed circuit television system (CCTV), which is nicknamed “the eye in the sky.” These departments work closely with each other to prevent both employee and patron theft, either through collusion or outright dishonesty.
The MGM Grand has been a Las Vegas landmark since its opening in 1989. The storied casino draws both hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies to its red-and-gold poker rooms, dozens of blackjack tables and state-of-the-art sports betting area. It is also home to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant, where diners can enjoy down-home food and drinks.
When it comes to gaming, the odds are clear: The house always wins. Casinos have built-in advantages to ensure that their profits outweigh the gamblers’ losses, which are called house edges and variance. These calculations are made by gaming mathematicians, who study gambling data to determine how much a casino should win on each game. They also analyze the odds of specific games to determine how profitable they will be and which ones should have high stakes.