Illusion Of Control...!

When you go to a nice restaurant, you want to be greeted by name & seated at whatever table you like for whatever reason - ain't it? My trip to Atlantic City last week reaffirmed my belief that Donald Trump strives to provide that kind of value in all his endeavors. The moment we entered the city - we were greeted with big Neon Sign Boards, huge hotels & beautifully lit Casinos. I was all the more excited since this was my first ever chance to visit a Casino. By the way this resort community is located on Absecon Island on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is too picturesque. We decided to visit The Trump Taj Mahal Casino (for it was voted "Best Casino" by the readers of Casino Player magazine). Spotting the density of people and the frenetic pace which we noticed the moment we enterred Taj was remarkable indeed. It took me a little while to understand the dynamics of various games and the appealing Slot Machines. But then as soon as I tried my luck at first slot machine as they they you are bound to feel the heat of the action...!! I was somehow hooked to the machine which somehow seemed to give me Illusion of Control.

Going by the basic probability - anyone would know that one has absolutely no control over the outcome on any game of chance. I mean i am not hitting the slot machine with any of my cortical or physical skill - yet it tends to be so so addictive. I played 4 games in a row myself before my friends took me over to a new game!! Here's what I observed-

• Amidst the constant barrage of noises-spin of Slot Machines, Dind Dong sound of coins hitting the metal, chit chat of people discussing their wins, pitter patter of Casino Staff boosting you always somehow gives one a false yet very strong sense of hope.
• In every section, I witnesses winners near highly trafficked zones - was it intentional on part of Casino Staff- may be..!!
• This was the only place where soft drinks & booze was delivered to players without them having to get up. People are made to feel that they influence the games evident from - the expression of people when they were throwing the die, deciding when to split at Blackjack or choosing series of numbers at slot machines.
• Rhythm can be best noticed-everything happens in rapid succession. Money's on the line, people predict, try their luck, many loose some win - yet the process continues on and on.
• The attire (or lackof) of the staff definitely influences the atmosphere inside - dealers in characteristic uniform, pit bosses in black suits, servers in striking outfits et all.
• The Confidence, energy & cheerfulness of the Lady at Poker Table - I made her sketch (shown above) as soon as I returned back :)

I must say that the visit has left a lasting impression in my mind regarding people's psyche.
By the way saw a nice article while Googling about Casino Design. For those of you who would want to learn more about Donald Trump & his line of thinking have a look at this video.