Why are slot machines so prevalent in Las Vegas?

Question

I've noticed that slot machines are not just in casinos in Las Vegas, but also in gas stations, grocery stores, and even the airport. Why are they everywhere and why do people keep playing them?

Answer 1

Slot machines are prevalent in Las Vegas because they are a popular form of entertainment that capitalizes on human psychology. They are designed to create a 'scarcity loop' with opportunity, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability, which can be very enticing and addictive. People are drawn to the chance of winning money, despite the common knowledge that 'the house always wins.' This loop is not only found in slot machines but is also used in various industries, including social media, sports gambling, dating apps, and the gig economy, to encourage repetitive behavior.

Comments

Something I've kept in mind from living abroad is that some countries have casinos, but it's illegal for their own citizens to attend. They have them set up for tourists; now, if it were a fair system, the government wouldn't ban its own citizens. That right there should be enough to know it's a scam, and it was in South Korea, which had those laws.

---

I rarely set foot in casinos, but I've walked past slot machines a couple of times and it's one of the most depressing sights ever. Those people are basically slouched, lifeless sacks of potatoes

---

Having lived in Vegas 23 years coming from NYC. What I've noticed about casinos and the locals is that older retired folk love the slots but younger and middle aged ocals take advantage of the free drinks, food, entertainment and general vibe of the billion dollar complexes. Winning is an after thought, they don't build those places because people's are Winning.

---

A lot of the smaller bars won't charge you for alcohol if you're playing their machines at the bar, so a lot of locals are like f*** it I'll just lose some money gambling instead of paying for alcohol

---

As a regular casino goer, I've never understood the appeal of the slot machine.

---

Lived in Vegas for 5ish years. The pigeon analogy is a good one. Those unicorn people who are born and raised in Vegas are akin to the pigeons raised in the cage playing the pecking slot machine. Tourists or non-unicorn Vegas implants are akin to the "wild" pigeons who play the optimal game after having come from what seems to be non-captivity.

Everyone I met who had a gambling problem was a lifelong Vegas local...a pigeon raised in a cage.

---

In my experience going to casinos, the only way to win playing slots is to get a bonus and immediately leave. That's the only way I've been able to come out on top. After you've been playing for more than 20-30 minutes, any bonuses you accrue won't match the amount you've already spent unless you're extremely lucky. But casinos know nobody is going to make the trip to the casino, win a bonus and be "up", then leave after 5-15 minutes. Then it's a "wasted trip". Very devious, evil and cunning industry

---

That is why I play poker with real people.  Losing to real humans is ok with me.  Pulling a lever on a slot machine reminds me of only one thing.

Flushing a toilet.

---

I went to windover nevada once on a gambing trip with my grandmother. We met my aunt and uncle there from California.  My uncle took me into a casino early in the morning. He said he wanted to show me something.  There was practically nobody there. He said listen. I did and i heard piped in slot machines. They had speakers all around the place. Sounded like people hitting jackpots.
Never forgot that. He also explained what kind of odds the casino has