Failing at the Casino

Different Games at the Casino:

It’s also important to consider the different games in the casino and how they may elicit a different response. In games like Roulette, there is no skill involved. You are guessing on what number, or color the ball will land on. This is also true for other games like Baccarat, where you guess who has the higher card number. While these games are repetitive, you don’t fear failure the same, compared to games where you have to have a baseline understanding.

For example, in Blackjack there’s different rules to abide when the dealer is showing a certain hand. For example, if you have 11, you are supposed to “double down” – this is slang for doubling your bet. In poker, you not only have to examine your own hand, but also examine other players at the table. There is a psychological element to it. Therefore, when you lose these games, it can be viewed as more of a personal failure. Was I not smart enough? Is that guy smarter than me? There becomes a sense of competition, where you need to win.

Minimum Betting Limits:

Another interesting aspect is betting limits. At some casinos, the minimum bet is $5, while at others it is $20. For first-time players, they’re more likely to try to bet the minimum at first. While this may not be the best statistical strategy, a $5 loss is more palpable than a larger one. At the casino, all of the bets are placed using chips – no matter the amount, they all feel the same. Typically, the only difference is the color of them. Over time, you become desensitized to the size of the bets. You don’t see the physical money in front of you. The chips are like a toy you’re moving around. This psychological pattern is seen throughout other industries – most prominently e-transactions in video games.

Casino Environment:

The environments of each casino are unique. Some have bright flashing lights, while others are a smaller and more intimate environment. Going into a large casino for the first time, can even be a daunting experience. There’s hundreds of games and people walking around you. If you’re not comfortable, you’re more likely to bet less and stay for less. This is why casinos offer services like free drinks and even food. They don’t care about a $5 loss for a drink, if that equates to you losing $100 that night.

On the other hand, there are smaller casinos, where only card games are present. While these are open to everyone, they’re more often occupied by regulars – people who go there on a weekly basis. These environments can also be intimidating for newcomers. At one spot I’ve visited, they offer a free $40 in “match-play,” if you’re a first-time player. This may sound like a dumb strategy, why risk giving away a free $40? Well, every “regular” in the casino likely also received that same match play. These examples show how important the environment of a casino is. At bigger casinos, they rely a lot on tourists and attract them with free drinks and rooms for the night. For smaller casinos, they rely less on tourists. They have to ensure their regulars keep coming back and may have bigger promotional items, for first-time players.

Who are you playing with?

The people you play with often ties in with the casino environment as well. At larger attractions, you’re more likely to be with a group of friends. Did your friend just win a $100 bet? Well now, you know you can do the same. Are there free drinks being passed around? Now you’re even more confident. As you can see, when it feels like a party, you won’t fear failing as much.