If you’re going to gamble at the casinos in the two Integrated Resorts, you should know how they fool you into gambling more than you were planning on. Avoid falling for their subtle tricks by minding these little pointers.
Know the casino map well
Labyrinthine layouts appeal to our explorer’s instinct, says Anthony Lucas, PhD, associate professor of casino management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Entrances are flooded with gaming machines for a reason: You’re less likely to engage in a game if you encounter empty space or non-gaming attractions first, says Bill Friedman, author of Designing Casinos to Dominate the Competition. The things you actually need – toilets and payout counters – are usually far-flung. Ask for a floor map at the information desk.
Avoid drinks with gambling
Research shows that both high testosterone levels and alcohol consumption hamper sound financial decisions in men. If you must drink, keep it to one glass of beer (or cocktail) an hour. And eat carbohydrates; they’ll help you absorb the alcohol more slowly, says Nancy Betts, PhD, head of the nutritional sciences department at Oklahoma State University.
Tip and be nice to the Pit Manager
It might be tough to score the penthouse upgrade, but the pit manager might be able to grant you a free lunch. “They’ll comp you if they think it will entice you to stay on and play,” says David DeMontmollin, author of Las Vegas Little Black Book.
Keep a budget for gambling and do not cross it
Before you start playing, decide on the amount you can stomach losing. After you spend a third of it, take a 15-minute break and put away anything you’ve won. Stepping away from the tables after each third will help you avoid blowing everything on a whim.
Know the higher paying machines
Avoid themed slots and aisle machines – go for the ones near the cashiers or change booths, where there’s lots of traffic. (That’s where casinos put the machines with the higher payouts.) And while you play, plug into your iPod, with sound-isolating ear buds – faux coin hits and blaring sound effects make you think winning is more common than it actually is.
