US and UK Casino Atmosphere Rules Differ

With newly relaxed casino regulations about where casinos can be built, legislation in the proposed Gambling Act of the UK strives to avoid the aura of U.S. casinos that seem to result in unplanned spending and gambling addictions. With as many as 18 new venues being proposed for Britain, the UK wants to stay away from décor and other subtle environmental 'tricks' which cause gamers to stay longer and spend more.

Anyone that has ever walked into a large U.S. casino knows that the ambience and environment results in a virtual aura. The sights, sounds and smells all are designed to create an almost womb-like environment with a sense of euphoria, intimacy and enclosure. This, psychologists say, results in making people want to stay longer and play more, and provide a feeling of safety and comfort. In truth, the results can be absolutely disorienting.

U.S. casinos, as a rule, have no clock and no windows to the outside, removing the sense of time. The proposed UK rules will not permit these methods to remove time-consciousness. The Gambling Act, if implemented, will make casinos keep clients aware of the amount of time that is passing and how much money has been spent. Breaks in playing will be encouraged so that clients can grasp a sense of time.

The U.S. casinos ply clients with free drinks, alcohol included, as well as easy to grab food. This results in people having no reason to leave the gaming area to seek refreshment. The UK rules will not permit this type of inducement. However, it is expected that energy drinks may be included in the UK casinos in order to give the clients a sense of energy and this is not barred by the proposed laws.

U.S. casinos have a certain scent and some even pump in added oxygen to help keep players feeling alert and energetic. Supposedly, some casinos have even resorted to using pheromones to entice aggressive wagering. The UK legislation would ban similar practices in the UK. False enhancement through the use of chemicals of any kind would be barred and heavy fines would apply. However, there is no ban on aromas, per se.

The U.S. casinos use mild but continuous soundtracks and red colors to create an almost trance-like state for the gamer. There are not rules about the use of music in the UK casinos in the proposed legislation, much to the regret of some.

Included in the UK proposed legislation is the fact that the house advantage, average return to the player, dispute and complain resolution process and odds as well as rules of each game must be displayed clearly and openly. This avoids the use of the concept of the 'near-miss' to cause people to believe they can influence games of pure chance.

It is clear that the UK government does not wish to mimic the U.S. casino experience but create a genre of casino unique to their country. It also appears that responsible gambling is strongly encouraged by the government. The relaxation of controls is meant to allow growth in the industry rather than rampant over-gambling of individuals.