The word casino evokes images of glitzy gambling halls filled with bright lights and enticing slot machines. But most visitors don’t consider the intricate design and psychology behind these mesmerizing establishments that are intentionally engineered to compel gamblers to spend more money, and crave coming back, no matter how much they lose.

Whether it’s the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through a casino’s ventilation system or the cheerful sound of slot machines blaring in the background, casinos have been designed to create a manufactured blissful experience that makes gamblers feel happy and satisfied, even though they know that the house always wins. This euphoric environment is augmented by the fact that most casinos offer complimentary drinks, which can also help players lose more money and stay longer.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia, starting in 2300 BC with wooden blocks and moving on to dice in 500 AD and then playing cards in the 1400s. The modern casino first appeared in the 1930s and has since become a universal entertainment destination.

The design of modern casinos has been influenced by behavioral economists like Bill Friedman and Roger Thomas, who both battled gambling addictions. Friedman’s classic casino design includes intimate, windowless spaces with a maze of slot machines to confuse and compel visitors to play for longer periods. Thomas’s playground design focuses less on slot machines and more on making guests feel relaxed with beautiful decor and easy-to-navigate layouts. He recommends setting a budget for your gambling sessions and staying within that limit, as well as establishing win limits to protect your earnings after a good session.