Politics

BUSTING VEGAS MYTHS: Casino Carpets Secretly Entice You to Gamble More Intensely

A version of "Vegas Myths Busted" appears each Monday, with an additional "Flashback Friday" edition. Today's entry was first published on March 24, 2023.

SymClub
May 23, 2024
3 min read
Newscasino
The already heavily stained new carpeting at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas does its only...
The already heavily stained new carpeting at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas does its only actual job well.

Attention!

Limited offer

Learn more

BUSTING VEGAS MYTHS: Casino Carpets Secretly Entice You to Gamble More Intensely

"In a recent publication on gamblingsites.org, it is claimed that the 'ugly carpets' seen in casinos are a result of thorough market research. These carpets with their unusual patterns, claim some, are intended to keep players alert and focused on the games. This idea, like other previous Vegas myths, arises from the subconscious belief that, since casinos aim to extract more money from patrons, every aspect of their establishments must have some deceitful purpose.

In the past, this series has already debunked the myth of casinos infusing extra oxygen. However, there are still several misconceptions about casino carpets circulating.

One such belief is that these carpets are made intentionally disorienting, with the intention of making it harder to find the exits. A user from the r/LasVegas subreddit, named LordPraetorian, backs this up, stating that the hectic design of carpets causes players' eyes to remain fixed on the playing tables. In contrast, another user, oftcenter, disagrees, asserting that busy carpets promote an upward gaze, while the ceilings have a soothing effect, drawing the gaze downwards.

However, according to Scott Roeben from the renowned blog Vital Vegas, casino management is not interested in such deceptive tactics. He notes that these carpet myths are entirely unfounded as no casino professional he's spoken to has ever pondered such strategies.

The Truth:

Casino carpets are overly elaborate, not because they serve any purpose related to trickery, but primarily because they are meant to camouflage stains and general wear and tear. Cleaning is a constant job in casinos. Although they clean the carpets often, it's nearly impossible to maintain them due to the high foot traffic and the numerous drinks that patrons carry.

Casino carpets have another practical function. Unlike most other businesses, casinos cater to massive crowds daily and nearly all of them tote drinks around. The constant spills of assorted-colored beverages are standard occurrences. He also added that there are other sickening incidents like vomiting which further strains the carpet's resilience.

As a result, the carpets wear out quickly. Given the importance of profit margins in public companies, some gambling establishments delay replacing these carpets to save money.

Scott Roeben is well acquainted with casino carpeting, having adjusted and refreshed numerous casino floors over the years. In his opinion, the elaborate, colorful patterns serve as a form of entertainment for patrons, who enjoy the flamboyance of the carpet patterns. Some of his favorite carpets include the new carpeting at Fremont Hotel & Casino, which features eclectic shapes and brighter colors.

Additional Purpose:

Another, more functional purpose of casino carpets, as per Roeben, to complement the casinos' unique brand. Intriguing and exclusive patterns support the gambling establishment's identity, a strategy that prevents its duplication in other casinos. For instance, the Horseshoe's carpet features subtle horseshoes embroidered into the design.

The Horseshoe's carpet is an exception, but in other instances, the carpets are distinct features of the brand. Recognizing a casino by its distinct carpet pattern is a favorable trait that casino owners are striving for, and one that has caught the attention of carpet enthusiasts.

Sometimes, law enforcement diffuses pictures of crime scenes in casinos, only obscuring areas with yellow tape rather than revealing the specific casino. Roeben notes that avid fans of casinos on social media can quickly identify the location thanks to their intimate knowledge of these design details. These enthusiasts are known as 'carpet nerds,' similar to forensic experts, who are fascinated by the distinct carpeting patterns they encounter."

The carpet in the Lucky Dragon casino (now the Ahern Hotel and Convention Center) gets cleaned in 2016.
One Reddit user posted this

Read also:

Source: www.casino.org

Attention!

Limited offer

Learn more