How the Design of Casino Websites Tricks Your Brain

We all know that casinos trick our brains into playing longer or choosing games with less than favorable odds.

Yet, are you aware of all the ways in which online casinos tap into your psychology to encourage you to visit their sites and keep you online as long as possible?

8 Ways Casino Websites Trick Your Brain

Here are eight ways casinos trick your brain, enticing you to play – or, to keep you playing longer.

How many can you spot the next time you visit your favorite online casino?

1. Website Designs Meant to Keep You Playing

Online casino websites are designed similarly to casino floors; they’re meant to keep your interest and help you forget about the outside world.

In theory, we play at casinos to “take a break” from our everyday lives. Yet, too much of a good thing is never… well, a good thing!

Set playtime checks if you want to avoid falling into the online casino version of a scroll hole.

2. Entertaining Animations & Effects

You’ll notice that even on title card images, games offer animations and special effects. And that’s before you even launch the game!

Once you launch a game, you’ll find that many games – slots in particular – offer effects and animations that are similar to the ones you’d find in video games.

3. Jackpot Slot Tickers

Once you enter the online casino lobby, you’ll find that games are organized by category. At the top of the page is usually a section containing jackpot slots.

On most of these title card images, you’ll see a ticker that shows the size of the prize pot.

These are created to entice you to play. If you see a jackpot in the thousands or tens of thousands, you’re more likely to try your luck on that slot game.

4. Bonus & Free Spin Banners

At the very top of the casino lobby, you’ll find the casino’s current promotions, including any free spins, jackpots, exclusive games, and welcome bonuses.

These banners are strategically placed to entice players to sign up for an account or deposit funds into their casino account.

5. Social Features

Some online casinos offer social features, such as chat apps that allow you to communicate with other players, including friends and family.

These social features can keep you on the sites for longer periods of time than you might have stayed otherwise.

6. Celebrity Endorsements

Online casinos have been using big-name celebrity spokespeople to market their sites. When we see these celebrities we know and love, we might feel compelled to sign up for an account or stay online playing longer.

7. Email & Text Marketing

Many online casinos offer the option to sign up for email and text marketing (many require you to opt out of these communications by unchecking a box).

If you haven’t played at the casino in a while, you might get an email or text message for a special promotion or a little note advertising a new slot machine or feature.

While these aren’t technically part of the casino’s website, they are still a part of the marketing and communications strategy.

8. Pop Culture Crossovers

You’ll definitely see themed slot machines at pretty much every online casino. Slot themes include Game of Thrones, The Goonies, Jimi Hendrix, Motley Crue, and more.

These games can trigger nostalgia and are very entertaining overall. The more you’re entertained by a slot machine, the more likely you are to stick around and play longer.