Beneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are engineered to slowly bleed players’ money. But mathematically inclined minds have attempted to turn the tables by using game theory and probability to exploit weaknesses in the rigged system. Despite this, the house always wins in the end.

But casinos aren’t just about the games; they’re also about creating an environment that is at once visually appealing and hard to step away from. They use sounds, colors and physical design to lure people in and keep them there for as long as possible. Business Insider has identified nine tricks casinos employ to get you to spend more money than you intend to.

1. Use color and lighting to create an attractive and exciting space.

Casinos are designed to look interesting and inviting, with curved paths and strategically placed gaming sections that are meant to draw your attention and tempt you to play. Many casinos are located near hotels, making it easy to stay longer and gamble more by providing you with food, drink and even a place to sleep.

2. Change the way you represent money.

Unlike traditional casinos that require you to use paper money, modern online casinos often let you load real cash into digital wallets that you can then use in the games. This is an effective psychological trick because it dissociates gambling from spending real money and makes it feel less risky. In addition, some casinos allow you to deposit money onto cards that can then be used in their digital games, further dissociating gambling from actual spending and reducing the impact of losses.

3. Use music to set the right tone.

Music is a powerful tool for setting the mood in a casino and can make your experience more enjoyable and memorable. In fact, research shows that listening to music can enhance your gambling experience by lowering your heart rate and easing your anxiety. This is why some of the best online casinos have licensed musicians on their sites to help players relax and focus.

4. Offer incentives to keep players playing.

Gambling is a time-consuming and addictive activity, and it can lead to financial and emotional problems. Some people develop a gambling addiction, which can cause social issues and harm their relationships with family members and friends. This is why it’s important to have responsible gambling features, like self-exclusion tools and reality checks, to help players manage their risk.

5. Have a high-quality customer support team.

Having a quality customer support team is crucial for any casino, as it ensures that players’ questions are answered quickly and efficiently. This can have a huge impact on the user experience and the trust that players place in the brand. It’s also important to have a high level of transparency, with transparent policies and T&Cs that are clearly displayed. This will help users to choose a casino that prioritizes integrity, security and top-class service.