Entering a casino is like entering a country where time does not exist. You’ve probably never seen a clock on the wall or a clear window leading to the outside world in a casino, if you think about it. So why are there no clocks or windows in casinos?
Because casinos prefer to keep players focused on the games, they don’t use clocks or windows. Casinos benefit more the longer you play, and clocks serve as a distraction by telling you how long you’ve been playing. For the same reason, casinos do not have windows. The passage of time is displayed in windows.
Why are there no clocks in casinos?
When you walk into most regular businesses, you’ll see a clock on the wall. For added convenience, several companies offer this service to their customers. However, a clock on the wall is an unwanted distraction when it comes to casinos. At least that’s how the casino sees it. Humans are wired to react to the passage of time, and a clock is a reference to the passage of time. When time stands still, casinos can keep your attention focused longer. If you knew how long you’d been sitting at that gaming table or machine, you’d be more motivated to get moving and get off the court.
You would think it wouldn’t be that hard to find out what time it is now. We all have timepieces on our wrists or phones in our hands. We don’t need clocks in the first place. That’s true, but there’s something to be said for if you can look around you, see a clock on the wall, and know what time it is. Also, as a resident of Las Vegas, I’ve stood in several buffet rows next to the casino floor, and you know what I don’t see often? I don’t see many people with their phones in hand at slot machines or gaming tables. People are always everywhere on their phones these days, but this is not the case on the casino floor.
It’s not that the lack of clocks in casinos is a major factor for those who gamble longer, but it’s a little psychological trick in a casino’s box of tricks that can result in big house wins.
Why are there no Windows in casinos?
Casinos normally do not have windows for the same reasons as clocks. You may be surprised to get up and go to sleep when you’re behind a machine in the evening and realize it’s getting light outside.
Since natural light shining on the gaming floor would blind the cards and machines, casinos would claim they have no windows. While this makes sense, I’m not convinced it’s the only explanation.
Another way that casinos keep players focused on their game is by removing windows. Players cannot be distracted by the outside world and there are no references to the passage of time.
I should point out that I have seen a few windows in the gambling areas of casinos in Las Vegas. On the other hand, these windows are always opaque, so you can’t see out, and they’re always colored, so the light coming through them gives the feeling of eternal twilight.
