Why Does a Casino Not Have a Clock?
Many people wonder why a Casino would not have a clock, but in fact they don’t. Casinos have elaborate surveillance systems with cameras positioned in every window, doorway, and table. The video feeds from these cameras are recorded and analyzed later. Some casinos use gaudy colors for the walls and floors, but the reason for these bright colors isn’t entirely clear. One popular color, red, is said to make people lose track of time.
While casinos accept any bet within a specified limit, they cannot allow patrons to win more than they can afford to lose. The mathematical expectation of any game offered by the casino is high, so it is rare for the casino to lose money. Often, casinos will offer extravagant inducements to big bettors, such as free drinks or cigarettes. Nevertheless, most gamblers understand the house edge, but are still not aware of how high it is.
Besides the obvious advantage of free food and drinks, casinos are also known for rewarding their most loyal customers. While this may be tempting, it doesn’t lessen the house edge. Many casinos use the concept of “comps,” which stands for ‘complimentary items’. During the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos offered cheap buffets, free show tickets, and discounted travel packages to attract tourists. This strategy was aimed at maximizing the volume of people who would come to Las Vegas, which ultimately resulted in increased gambling revenue.