Did you know that the gambling industry is worth $240 BILLION? Crazy, right?

I was always fascinated by gambling and how it affects our minds. How they use psychology to literally manipulate us.

How?

Let's see. Here is a list of top 10 tricks they use. Just a small part of what they actually use.

1. Do you have the time?

No. Casinos know that statistically a lot of people don't wear watches. So why would they put clocks inside? They know that when you are gambling you are more engaged in the activity that you are doing, so time passes faster. More time spent inside = more money wasted.

2. No windows

Okay so some gambling places do have windows usually near the entrance but when you get away from the entrance you're hardly gonna see any. Why? Well they don't want you to get distracted by the outside world. If it's getting dark outside or the sun is just about to rise your internal clock would kick in and tell you that it's time to go home. They obviously don't want that.

3. Lights & Sounds

Festive and fun lights and sounds. Nonverbal communication tells you "Win! Win! Win!", when in fact the majority is losing.

4. Ambience

Did you ever notice how mellow the ambience in a casino is? It's because it's meant to create a 'home-like' feeling. They even use carpets to manipulate you with their colorful swirls, lines, and splashes. Yes, carpets.

5. Location Of Services

Want to go to the toilet, get something to eat, or even cash out the money you just won? Well you're going on a trip because casinos usually bury those services as far as they can so when you cash out your money you walk past those machines again. Maybe you decide to try your luck one more time.

6. Near Wins

I'm not gonna go into too much detail on this one. Near wins essentially keep casinos in business. They give players a taste of winning that will almost always guarantee that they visit again.

7. Free Stuff

Free drinks, food, coupons anything they give out for free. Looks like they are just good hosts? Well not really. They just want to make you feel special and stay longer. Don't fall for that shit. Basic reciprocity.

8. Alcohol

Do I even need to explain this one? They just want to get you drunk so you make stupid decisions.

9. Keeping The Big Winners

Those who are fortunate enough to get a lot of money are treated like kings. Again, just to make you feel special so you come back and give them even more money than you won.

10. Labyrinth Design

Ah, my favourite, the labyrinth design. They essentially design it so you can't get out and have to walk past everything. And everything else is designed to steal your attention.

Don't blame yourself if you fall for this. It's designed so you fall for it.

@selfhelp