When many people think of casinos, they probably picture the glitzy Las Vegas megaresorts brimming with bright lights and fun. But casinos are much more than that. They are social gathering places where people gather with friends to eat, watch shows or other entertainment (often on closed-circuit television) and gamble. They also offer other amenities like spas and top-rated hotels.
Gambling in casino games is a form of recreation that helps humans deal with daily stress. Hobbies such as these help human brains release feel-good hormones and improve concentration and cognitive function. They also promote socialization among individuals by providing a medium for people to share their thoughts and emotions with others.
In a 2002 poll, Gemini Research asked people who go to casinos what types of gambling they liked to do there. More than half of the respondents chose slot machines. Card games came in second, and other casino games such as keno, bingo and gambling on sporting/racing events were far less popular.
Casinos have long been known for their tricks to get patrons to spend more and keep them coming back even after losing money. To this end, they design their buildings around a stimulating atmosphere of noise and light. Their slot machine designs are computer-generated to look appealing and make pleasing sound effects such as the cling clang of coins dropping. They often use scents to entice patrons and enliven the environment. They also encourage patrons to play by introducing frequent-flyer programs where they tally up points that can be exchanged for free meals, drinks and shows.