When you hear the word casino, you probably think of bright lights and big money. Whether you’re in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or a mountain town where 19th century Wild West buildings have been converted to gambling dens, the United States has more casinos than you can shake a stick at. Casinos are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and many of them cater to high rollers.
Despite the name, not all casinos are used for gambling. Some, like the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany, were originally built as playgrounds for Europe’s royalty and aristocracy. Other casinos, such as the iconic landmark overlooking Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island, were never intended to be used for gambling at all.
Most casinos use a variety of design elements to lure gamblers in. These include gaudy, brightly colored floor and wall coverings that are designed to stimulate the senses. Red is a particularly popular color, as it’s believed to make people lose track of time. Casinos also typically don’t display clocks, which further helps people get lost in the moment.
Another important factor in casino design is safety. In order to protect their patrons, most casinos have security cameras throughout the building and surrounding areas. These cameras provide a continuous stream of footage that can be reviewed by security personnel. They are also able to zoom in on suspicious patrons and detect any movements that may signal cheating or illegal activity.
Although the mob initially provided the cash that launched Las Vegas and Reno, they weren’t satisfied with simply providing a bankroll. They wanted to be personally involved with the business, took sole or partial ownership of some casinos, and even tampered with the results of games in some cases. Eventually, legitimate businessmen with deeper pockets realized the potential of the casino industry and began investing in it. Hotel chains and real estate investors soon realized they could make more money than the mobsters themselves, and they bought out the mob’s interest in casinos. This, combined with federal crackdowns on any hint of mafia involvement, put the mobsters out of the casino business and allowed legitimate businesses to take over.
The majority of casino gamblers are middle-class or above. The average gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income. The most common gambling product is slot machines, followed by video poker and table games. In addition, many people are addicted to gambling, which can lead to serious financial problems. Fortunately, there are ways to stop this addiction and prevent it from getting worse. For instance, there are gambling addiction support groups available to help those in need. These organizations can also refer you to treatment centers in your area if needed.