There is a long-standing relationship between music and gambling. For centuries, people have been drawn to the excitement and anticipation of wagering on games of chance. Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface in understanding the role that music plays in influencing gambling behavior, but there is evidence that suggests that both the type of music and the tempo can affect how much someone gambles. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the research on this topic and explore how gambling establishments might use music as a tool to entice customers to gamble more.
Can music affect gambling performance?
The relationship between music and gambling behavior has been the focus of much research over the years. The vast majority of this research has found that music influences gambling behavior, although the nature of that influence remains somewhat contested. For example, some researchers suggest that music increases excitement levels and leads to more risky gambling behaviors. In contrast, others argue that music can help reduce gambling-related arousal and decrease some of the negative consequences of gambling. We briefly review the research literature on music and gambling behavior and discuss possible reasons why music appears to play a role in influencing this behavior.
The first empirical studies aimed at understanding how music might influence gambling behavior were conducted in the early 1990s. These studies found that, for some individuals, music can serve as an arousal-enhancing stimulus that leads to more risky gambling behaviors. For example, one study found that when participants listened to faster-paced music, they were more likely to make larger bets and take greater risks while gambling. Another experiment had participants play gambling tasks while listening to different types of music. They found that when participants listened to techno music, they took more risks than those who were not.
How does music make casinos more entertaining?
When it comes to the casino environment, music has a crucial role in creating an enjoyable experience. Music serves as an intermediary between the action on the floor and casino guests, providing an auditory backdrop that can enhance or distract from their overall gaming experience. After all, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t hum along to the first few bars of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Just as music enhances the casino for guests, it heightens the players’ excitement. Researchers have found that people who play slot machines and table games tend to prefer background music in casinos and report feeling happier and more relaxed when they hear tunes playing in conjunction with their gambling. In one study, participants were asked to play a slot machine while either listening to tranquil music or no music at all. The researchers found that those who played with music reported significantly higher levels of pleasure and relaxation than those who played without it.
