A casino is a place that offers excitement, intrigue, and the chance to test one’s luck. With elaborate themes, dazzling lights and enticing table games, casinos seem like a fun way to spend the night. However, what many people don’t realize is that each aspect of a casino is carefully designed to influence the behavior of players and encourage them to spend more time there—and keep coming back, no matter how much money they lose.
Whether on land, in massive resorts or on boats floating on waterways, successful casinos generate billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that run them. In addition, they contribute to the economy of the communities in which they operate, creating jobs and attracting tourism. And, as the gateway for millions of Americans to gambling, casinos have an immense social and cultural impact.
In 2005, the typical casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female with above-average income. Moreover, these adults were often married with children and tended to play games such as blackjack and poker that require a degree of skill. In addition, many casinos promote responsible gaming by offering support programs and access to addiction treatment services. However, these efforts are not enough to counteract the powerful forces that make casinos so attractive and addictive.