Analysis of Casino Design by Michael Shanks
This is an interesting article explaining the design of casinos and covers everything from the placement of high-paying slot machines, to the rumor of pheromones in the air circulating systems.
In the end, he concludes:
Upon learning the multitude of deceitful strategies that casinos use to improve their business, it is nearly impossible not to feel as though one is being almost forced to spend money the moment one sets foot in a casino. Many would argue that casinos have gone too far, and should be regulated more strictly by the government in order to protect the consumer.
Forced to spend money? Mike and I have been going to Las Vegas for 17 years. Neither of us are big gamblers. A trip to Vegas for us is CHEAP because the hotels are excellent and incredibly affordable and the food is inexpensive. I doubt that I’m some strange human who isn’t affected by pheromones. I just know my mathematics well enough to understand that there is no way to really win in the casino, so I don’t even try. I just take advantage of the beautiful atmosphere paid for by the other gamblers.
We are not so malleable as you would like us to believe, Mr. Shanks.