As far as gangster movies go, Casino is one of the best. While it lacks the pizzazz of Goodfellas, it’s still a fascinating look at how mob corruption spread like wildfire and shaped Vegas in many ways we see today.
Casino is also a lesson in how casinos design their spaces to influence their visitors’ behavior. The casino’s goal is to keep players in a state of euphoria and make them less capable of making sound judgments. This is why they strategically place essential amenities like toilets and cash machines deep within the gaming area, so that players will have to navigate past multiple enticing games to use these facilities. This way, players may be tempted to stay longer and make more spur-of-the-moment decisions that could lead to big losses.
Another way casinos influence their visitors’ behavior is by using digital credits or chips instead of cash when gambling. This reduces the psychological connection between money and loss, so players can feel free to bet more than they can afford to lose. In addition, casinos strategically place crowded areas near entrances and exits to increase the likelihood of players making impulse decisions.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, first became a casino destination 150 years ago and has since attracted royalty and aristocrats from all over Europe. Today, its casino is a favorite of players who want to play in a lavish environment. Its red-and-gold poker rooms and slot machines are a feast for the eyes.