High stakes and hidden stories of the casino world revealed

Casinos and gambling are full of fun and fascinating facts that can often go unnoticed. When looking at the history of the first slot machine and the strange psychology behind some of the games, the gaming world is packed with surprises.

At casinos, luck and excitement collide. Whether you are an experienced "high-roller" or just enjoying the occasional game, gambling will always be fascinating. Today's article is packed with fun facts that might surprise even the most experienced casino enthusiasts!

The surprising story of the first-ever slot machine

Charles Fey invented the first slot machine back in 1895 in San Francisco. It was originally called the "Liberty Bell," it had three reels with symbols like diamonds, spades, heart symbols, and the image of a cracked Liberty Bell.

The term "slot machine" was not used until later, when the machines were placed in designated areas in casinos called "slots".

Betting on the planet? The casino industry is going green

Casinos are famous for their flashy lights and amazing architecture, but did you know they are also eco-friendly? Casinos, especially in Las Vegas, have adopted energy-efficient practices.

Eco-friendly gaming houses have replaced light fixtures with LED bulbs, reducing energy consumption and heat emissions. Some casino restaurants use ingredients that are sustainably sourced, and they also use skylights, which reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Colour your luck

Casinos use specific colours to influence a player's behaviour. Some popular colours are red, gold, lime green and other vibrant colours. Each one is carefully chosen to keep players excited and increase their alertness.

Wild bets

Casino games like poker and blackjack are well-known, right? However, did you know that some casinos offer really weird bets? Some of the strangest bets in casinos include political events, awards ceremonies like the Grammys, the gender of a baby born to a celebrity or even how long a band will stay together. They are usually offered in the novelty gambling markets.

Breaking luck: Myth or reality?

Cognitive biases are common among gamblers. A prime example is the “gambler’s luck,” where players believe past outcomes can influence future ones. However, the reality is that the outcomes are based on chance and randomness. A common misconception that can lead to poor decisions!

Casinos have millions of comps!

Complimentary gifts are often handed out to players as a strategy to retain them. Although this seems like a nice perk, casinos make a lot of money from these “free” offers.

The world’s largest casino without a single slot machine

When you step into Macau, China, you'll be greeted by a massive casino with over 500,000 square feet of gaming space. But what sets it apart is its reliance on high-end table games rather than the ubiquitous slot machines. This is a unique and fascinating feature that defies the norm of most casinos' revenue sources.

Kid-friendly casinos

In places like Las Vegas, you can enjoy family and entertainment beyond gambling. These kid-friendly casinos have areas where children can play games and enjoy shows while their parents gamble. Various entertainment options, like arcade games, video games, and even live shows, are available to entertain young visitors.

Odd bans

Gambling has been banned or restricted for strange reasons throughout history. In the 19th century, France banned gambling in the country after the government decided that it was a threat to public morals.

In China, gambling was banned for years as it was seen as a distraction. In the United States, Nevada was one of the few states that legalised casinos during the Great Depression.

Therapeutic gambling

Did you know that gambling can serve therapeutic purposes?

Casino warm-up rooms

Some casinos offer warm-up rooms where guests can play low-stakes games before going to the main gaming floor. These rooms are designed to give players a chance to get into the gaming mindset without committing to high-stakes games.

They provide a more relaxed environment for beginners or those who want to practice their skills before playing on the main floor, enhancing the overall casino experience.

Roulette: Mistake or not?

Believe it or not, the 0 on the Roulette is not a mistake! The green 0 on the European roulette wheels was designed to give the casino a house edge. Adding this extra number to the table ensures the house has a slight advantage over players.

The most expensive slot machine

Sidney Mobell is a jewellery designer who is well-known among Hollywood celebrities. Mobell constructed a slot machine that will awe even the most seasoned gamer. It is a 1925 Calle and is among the oldest ones.

Millions worth of jackpots

Progressive jackpots are certainly one of the major draws in online casinos. The jackpot increases every time someone plays a round until one lucky player wins big. The largest progressive jackpot was over $24 million on Mega Moolah.

From the origins of slot machines to the psychology of casino decor, the gaming world is far more strange and fascinating than most of us realise. These weird facts add a layer of intrigue to your next adventure, regardless of whether you prefer playing at a land-based casino or enjoying an online game.