A casino is more than just a gambling den for visitors to gamble away their worries. There is a lot of thought that goes behind the design of these establishments. The idea is to create an “amusement park” for adults, with the right architecture, theme, lighting, and music.
Whether it is the extravagant Bellagio in Paradise, Nevada, or the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands on Bayfront Avenue in Singapore, casino operators are stepping up and investing heavily in architectural design.
Let’s take you behind the scenes to understand how the architectural design of casinos has evolved over the years. We will also discuss the world’s most iconic gambling “dens” and the process that goes into creating these spaces.
The Evolution of Casino Architecture Design
Over the years, casino operators have focused on improving customer experience and ensuring their safety.
Here are a few ways casinos have evolved over the last century:
Casinos Are Big on Interior Design
Over the years, casino operators have understood the importance of interior design in creating an immersive and luxurious atmosphere within the building.
They are now carefully planning the layout and flow to guide visitors through a carefully crafted labyrinth of entertainment.
Placing gaming areas, amenities, and attractions strategically helps improve foot traffic and encourages customers to explore. There are strategic hotspots where you can claim your bonus here and return back to gaming, ensuring you stay much longer at the establishment.
Besides that, the interior design choices, including themes and colors, contribute to the overall ambiance. It allows the visitors to escape reality and fully immerse themselves in the gaming experience.
Safety Has Become a Number One Priority
One of the most important elements of a casino design that has drastically evolved over the last century is safety.
Architectural plans include a single entry point with tight security and secondary access points. This lets the management control the number of guests that flow into the building. It provides the customers and employees with a sense of security.
Casinos now have surveillance cameras that are strategically placed to prevent theft, monitor the crowd, and observe players. This not only ensures security but also fair play.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, casinos had to adapt their layout to prevent the spread of the contagious virus and ensure the safety of their guests and employees.
Most establishments had non-contact thermometers installed at their entrances to monitor the visitors’ temperatures before they entered the building. Some went as far as to install disinfecting systems to maintain a clean environment.
The Role of Lighting and Sound in a Casino
The sounds and lights in a casino can encourage risky decisions. It not only transforms the indoor space but also positively affects a visitor’s mood.
Ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, while accent lighting draws attention to certain areas within the casino. This can help the operators to increase their sales and grab their customer’s attention.
In terms of sound design, there are professionals who carefully select music and background noise to create a captivating environment. This generates anticipation, energy, and excitement, heightening the thrill of gaming.
The Four Most Iconic Casino Architecture in the World
There are many casinos around the world with amazing architecture, but the following four are in a different league:
The Bellagio in Las Vegas
Designed by Jon Jerde, the Bellagio has become a tourist attraction and is one of the most expensive resorts in Las Vegas.
Featuring a massive 14,000-square-foot lobby and a breathtaking glass ceiling, the Bellagio has set new standards. As you walk through it, you’ll find yourself captivated by the colors, design, lighting, and music.
The Venetian in Las Vegas
The Venetian (established in 1999) is a stunning casino to explore as it recreates the magic of the Italian city of Venice within its walls.
It has over 3,000 luxurious suites, all equipped with gorgeous furniture, elegant designs, and stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip. When you walk inside The Venetian, you’ll find yourself lost in the glitz and glamor.
The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
When you walk to Raffles Place in Singapore, there is one building among the many skyscrapers that stands out, and it is the Marina Bay Sands. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, this resort looks like something out of “Cyberpunk 2077”, a futuristic open-world video game.
It offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. When you enter Marina Bay Sands, it’s like walking into Narnia. You’ll find a massive hotel, a luxurious shopping mall, a spectacular casino, and many more, all in one place!
The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
When it comes to grand architecture, you cannot overlook the legendary Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
Established in 1863, the Monte Carlo Casino exudes elegance and sophistication. With a lavishly decorated interior and Beaux-Arts architecture, it has been featured in many James Bond movies, including “Golden Eye” and “Casino Royale.”
What Is the Significance of Architecture and Design in a Casino?
The architectural design of these iconic casinos, just like the new football stadiums in Qatar, goes beyond aesthetics. It plays a key role in creating an immersive and opulent environment that elevates the essence of the gaming experience.
With carefully planned layouts, captivating interior designs, and the strategic use of lighting and sound, casino operators craft every element meticulously to captivate and entice visitors.
These iconic casinos have become symbols of luxury and entertainment. They transport guests to a different world, allowing them to escape reality and indulge in the thrill of gaming.
At the same time, these architectural marvels have set new standards in the industry and continue to inspire future developments.
Final Thoughts
Whether it is safety, design, lighting, or music, casino owners spend millions of dollars annually to ensure their visitors have a great experience.
After reading this article, the next time you step into a casino, you will want to take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating it.