Many gamblers believe casinos tighten up their slots on weekends because they are more crowded and want to keep people playing. However, this is not true. The truth is that it is difficult for casinos to manipulate their slot machines because the payout percentages are determined by state or local gaming regulators, and they can’t be changed on a weekend or any other time. The only way a casino can change its payout percentages is by applying for a permit. This requires a lot of paperwork and approval from the gaming commission.
Another myth is that a slot machine will be loose to get players in the door and then tighten up as they continue to play, so that they “bleed” the player dry. This is not true either, though if you do find a loose slot that doesn’t stay that way for very long, it may be due to the fact that it was just bad luck and not because of some nefarious psychological programming.
The reason that casinos don’t make the odds worse is that they want people to keep playing and spending money. They do this by using various stimuli, such as the bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings that have a positive and energizing effect. They also often use red because it’s thought to have a cheering effect on players. In addition, they don’t have clocks on the walls because they want players to lose track of time and keep gambling.
One thing that casinos do to try to encourage this behavior is to provide players with a variety of different games and denominations so that they will be more likely to find something they like and play it over again. They also do things such as waft scented oils through their ventilation systems to create an environment that is manufactured and pleasing to the senses, which helps to draw players in and keep them gambling.