5 interesting facts about betting and casinos that you didn't know!

The world of betting and casinos is full of secrets, unexpected stories and psychological nuances that even avid gamblers often don't realise. Every Melbet game, every casino and even every rule bears traces of human nature, history and cultural traditions. Let's reveal five truly curious facts that will add depth to your view of gambling.

The first fact is the antiquity of gambling. People began to gamble long before the first coins appeared. Archaeologists have found game pieces that are over 5,000 years old, and the first prototypes of dice were made from animal joints. Even in Ancient Egypt, there were board games such as Senet, which, according to historians, people played not only for entertainment, but also as a way to glimpse into the future. In other words, gambling originally had mystical connotations — it was an attempt by humans to communicate with fate.

The second fact is related to the origin of the term ‘casino’. Translated from Italian, “casa” means ‘house’, and initially, casinos had nothing to do with betting. They were small country houses belonging to aristocrats, where people gathered for music, dancing and socialising. Only later were card games and roulette added. Thus, casinos were originally a symbol of leisure and social life, rather than a place to ‘lose your salary’ — as they are often perceived today.

The third fact is about the psychology of design. Many people think that casinos are deliberately devoid of clocks and windows so that players lose track of time. This is true, but what is more interesting is how small details in the interior affect emotions. For example, soft carpets and subdued lighting create a feeling of comfort and security, while the sounds of winning at the slots trigger a release of dopamine even in those who are not playing themselves. Modern casinos are actually designed as pleasure laboratories, where every detail is calculated to activate specific areas of the brain.

The fourth fact is about the origin of the phrase ‘the house always wins.’ It was not born as a warning, but as an advertising gimmick in Las Vegas in the mid-20th century. Casinos tried to convince players that it was impossible to win — and this, paradoxically, only fuelled the excitement. People went to ‘prove the opposite.’ Psychologists call this the challenge effect: the less chance of success, the stronger the desire to try. Thus, a simple phrase became a powerful marketing tool that is still alive today.

And the fifth fact is about the influence of music. Studies have shown that slow music in casinos increases the time players spend there and the number of bets they make. Fast, rhythmic music, on the other hand, encourages risk-taking and impulsive decisions. It is no coincidence that poker rooms often play calm jazz compositions, while slot machines are accompanied by energetic melodies. Music in casinos is a hidden conductor of emotions that controls players' behaviour without saying a word.