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For more than seven decades, Carol Burnett has delighted audiences with her witty and uproarious brand of humor. The Carol Burnett Show, in particular, remains one of the funniest and most creative variety programs to ever grace our television screens. Throughout her prolific career, Burnett has excelled not just on TV, but also on stage and film, carving out a path for the many comedic female voices she inspired along the way. Here’s a look at her incredible life and career, including some lesser-known facts that may surprise you.

Strangers Helped Launch Her Career 

Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas, and as a young girl she moved into an impoverished neighborhood in Hollywood, California. In 1951, she was admitted to UCLA, where she hoped to pursue journalism. However, the family was unable to afford the annual $50 tuition (around $605 today), and it appeared at first that her college education might be an unreachable dream. But one day, a mysterious envelope arrived in her mailbox containing enough money to cover the cost of tuition. To this day, Burnett says she has no idea who provided the funds.

Once at UCLA, Burnett switched her focus from journalism to theater. One night during her junior year, she and several classmates were performing at a home in San Diego when she was approached by a wealthy stranger. The businessman asked Burnett about her dreams, to which she replied that she hoped to move to New York City with her husband, Don, and pursue a career as a performer. In response, the benefactor gifted $1,000 interest-free loans to both Burnett and her husband on three conditions: that they be repaid within five years, that his identity never be revealed, and that Burnett would help others pursue their dreams if she became a success. Burnett held true to her word, and the loan allowed her to travel to NYC in pursuit of fame.

Her Breakout Role Was on Broadway

Before achieving fame on the small and silver screens, Burnett’s acting career began in New York City with revues at the Rehearsal Club, a boarding house for young women hoping to carve out careers in the performing arts. In 1957, Burnett took to performing at cabaret clubs around the city. She became popular for performing a parody song titled “I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles” — Dwight D. Eisenhower’s secretary of state — earning her appearances on The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Her big break came in 1959, when she booked the role of Princess Winnifred in the first Broadway production of Once Upon a Mattress. This memorable performance earned Burnett a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. The success of this gig also afforded her the ability to repay the $1,000 she owed the California businessman, a feat she accomplished five years to the day after receiving the loan. By this time a huge name in her own right, Burnett booked a recurring role on The Garry Moore Show and later headlined Carnegie Hall alongside Julie Andrews in 1962.

Her Signature Ear Tug Was a Message to Her Grandmother

From 1967 to 1978, every episode of The Carol Burnett Show ended with a sign-off song, after which Burnett would tug on her left earlobe. This gesture was actually a secret, heartwarming message for her grandmother Mae. Mabel Eudora “Mae” Jones raised Burnett for most of her childhood and often took her to the movies, which helped cultivate her love of the performing arts. Burnett has admitted she borrowed the gesture from a dance troupe she saw, who used the ear tug to say “hi” to their kids while on stage.

After Burnett made it to New York, she called to tell her grandmother she was going to be on television, to which Mae replied, “Well, you gotta say hello to me.” Burnett took this request to heart. Though Mae passed away the same year The Carol Burnett Show premiered, Burnett continued to tug on her ear at the end of each episode as a way of saying “I love you” to her dear grandmother.

She Taught Her “Tarzan Yell” to an Opera Singer

When Burnett was around 9 or 10 years old, she learned to do a bellowing “Tarzan yell,” which eventually became a trademark part of her act as an adult. During the Q&A portion of each episode of The Carol Burnett Show, audience members frequently requested that Burnett perform this comedic yodel.

During a 2013 interview with Larry King, Burnett explained she’d figured out how to perform the yell after seeing an early Tarzan film in theaters. She also noted how she taught the yell to world-famous opera singer Beverly Sills. Burnett and Sills were contemporaries who became friends while working on the 1976 musical TV special Sills and Burnett at the Met. Sills specifically asked Burnett how to do the yell, and Burnett happily obliged to teach her. Sills immediately replicated the yell with perfection and called it an excellent vocal exercise.

Each Episode of The Carol Burnett Show Was Taped Twice

Although the program had a live feel, each episode of The Carol Burnett Show was actually taped two times in front of two separate studio audiences. The first taping often stuck closely to the script, with actors delivering the jokes as written. The second taping allowed for more improvisation and ad-libbing, often resulting in even funnier jokes.

After each taping was complete, producers spliced the best moments together into a single episode that made the air. There were rarely — if ever — any additional retakes past that point, meaning if someone flubbed a line during both tapings, that mistake would be included in the final cut. In the end, this made for a final product that still emulated the feel of a single live taping.

She’s One Award Short of an EGOT

Burnett has racked up a plethora of accolades throughout her illustrious career, including several Emmys very early on — in 1962 for her role on The Garry Moore Show and in 1963 for Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall. Between 1972 and 1975, she took home three Emmys for The Carol Burnett Show, and she then won another in 1997 for her guest role on Mad About You. Most recently, she won the 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special for Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.

In addition to her numerous TV honors, Burnett was awarded a Special Tony Award in 1969, in addition to nominations for Once Upon a Mattress in 1960 and Moon Over Buffalo in 1996. She was also the winner of a 2017 Grammy for Best Spoken World Album (for the audiobook of her memoir In Such Good Company), putting her just one Oscar away from achieving the highly coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). In commemoration of a lifetime of entertainment, Burnett was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, and was also the 2013 winner of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

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Calvin and Hobbes has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide since its debut in 1985. Created by Bill Watterson, the beloved comic strip follows the adventures of Calvin, a precocious and mischievous 6-year-old boy, and his sardonic stuffed tiger, Hobbes. Together, they navigate the challenges of childhood and family life, engage in philosophical discussions, and embark on a whimsical array of fantastical journeys.

Watterson’s comic strip extended beyond the realm of typical newspaper comics. With its unique blend of humor, artistry, and profound observations about human nature, Calvin and Hobbes stood out from the crowd. During its 10-year run, it garnered a loyal and dedicated fanbase that continues to grow even decades after its conclusion. Despite its relatively brief lifespan in the world of syndicated comics — Peanuts, for example, ran for half a century — Calvin and Hobbes left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing generations of cartoonists and readers alike, and it is often regarded as the last great newspaper comic strip. 

Here, we dive into some fun facts about Calvin and Hobbes to shed some light on the enduring legacy of this singular comic strip.

Calvin and Hobbes Were Named After Historical Figures

Calvin and Hobbes were both named after heavyweight historical figures. Calvin was named after John Calvin, the 16th-century theologian and Protestant reformer who was a principal proponent of the idea of predestination. Hobbes, meanwhile, got his name from Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century philosopher who didn’t have the highest regard for human beings — he famously described human life without governance as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Watterson was very deliberate in naming his two protagonists, with both monikers reflecting the more complex and philosophical side of Calvin and Hobbes. 

The Creator Eschewed Merchandising

In our merch-obsessed world, Calvin and Hobbes was a surprisingly and uncommonly defiant exception to the norm. Watterson strongly resisted the commercialization of his creation, believing it would cheapen the artistic integrity of the strip. So, unlike many popular comic strips (and almost every other beloved brand in modern pop culture), Calvin and Hobbes has no official merchandise beyond the comics and associated books. Watterson famously turned down lucrative licensing deals, including offers for animated adaptations and plush toys, which could have potentially made him hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Calvin Has Numerous Alter Egos

Throughout the history of the comic strip, Calvin creates various alter egos for himself. Some of these are generic personas that appear only fleetingly, while others are fully fleshed-out characters who went on to make multiple appearances. Some of the most prominent alter egos include Stupendous Man (a superhero who only ever achieves moral victories), Tracer Bullet (a hard-boiled detective who often comes to the wrong conclusion), and his most iconic alter ego, Spaceman Spiff (a spaceman who flies around the galaxy and achieves some actual victories). Other alter egos included dinosaurs, monsters, Calvin the Bold, Captain Napalm, and The Incredibly Annoying Human Echo. 

The Inspiration for Hobbes Came From the Author’s Own Cat

The character of Hobbes was at least partially inspired by Watterson’s cat, a gray tabby named Sprite. Sprite provided the long body and facial characteristics of Hobbes, as well as his personality and mannerisms. According to Watterson, Sprite was “good-natured, intelligent, friendly, and enthusiastic in a sneaking-up-and-pouncing sort of way.”

Hobbes Was a Figment of Calvin’s Imagination — Or Was He?

One of the most fun and intriguing aspects of Calvin and Hobbes is the ambiguous nature of Hobbes’ existence. To Calvin, Hobbes is very much alive — a walking, talking tiger who is his best friend and partner in crime. However, to everyone else in the strip, including Calvin’s parents, Hobbes appears as nothing more than a stuffed toy. The natural assumption, therefore, is that Hobbes is simply an imaginary friend. That, however, is up for debate, and Watterson leaves it up to the reader to decide for themselves. Watterson himself, when asked about Hobbes’ imaginary status, replied, “The strip doesn’t assert that. That’s the assumption that adults make because nobody else sees him, sees Hobbes, in the way that Calvin does … Hobbes is more real than I suspect any kid would dream up.”

The Final Farewell Strip Has a Fittingly Uplifting Ending

The final Calvin and Hobbes strip was published on December 31, 1995. After a decade, Watterson decided it was time to bring the comic to a conclusion, even though the comic was still at the height of its popularity. The last-ever strip shows Calvin and Hobbes walking across a snowy landscape, at which point Calvin declares, “It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy … Let’s go exploring!” The two friends then ride away on their sled, into their joyous wintry world. The inspiring ending reinforced the comic strip’s central message that the world is a magical place with plenty to discover and explore, as long as we embrace imagination and our sense of adventure.

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The Andy Griffith Show is one of the most beloved sitcoms ever to be broadcast into our living rooms. The series ran for 249 episodes over eight seasons, starring the iconic Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor, Frances Bavier as his Aunt Bee Taylor, Don Knotts as the oafish Deputy Barney Fife, and a young Ron Howard as Andy’s son Opie. Today, this TV classic is considered not just one of the greatest shows of the 1960s, but of all time. But despite the show’s enduring popularity, there are still a few interesting tidbits that may surprise even the most avid fans. Here are five fun facts about The Andy Griffith Show.

Don Knotts Wasn’t in the Original Cast

The pilot episode of The Andy Griffith Show was originally broadcast as an episode of The Danny Thomas Show, a sitcom that ran from 1953 to 1964. The pilot featured appearances from Griffith, Bavier, and Howard, but Knotts’ Barney Fife was notably missing. In fact, Knotts was sitting at home watching television when he saw the pilot starring his friend Andy. According to Griffith, Knotts called up after the episode aired and said, “Andy, you’re going to be a sheriff, you’ll need yourself a deputy.” Just like that, the character of Barney Fife was born.

Interestingly enough, rumor has it Knotts was only initially offered a one-episode contract. However, after witnessing the on-screen chemistry between the two friends, executive producer Sheldon Leonard changed his mind and offered Knotts a series regular contract. Knotts went on to portray Fife throughout the first five seasons of the show before leaving to explore new career opportunities, though he reprised his role as Fife in later projects.

The Theme Song Has Lyrics

Each episode of The Andy Griffith Show opens with that iconic sequence of Andy and Opie carrying their fishing poles down to the river. This is soundtracked by a catchy little ditty whistled by the composer Earle Hagen. Hagen, along with his writing partner Herbert Spencer, wrote the theme song without having any idea how popular it would become. In fact, the song was so beloved it was later given a title and lyrics.

In 1961, actor Everett Sloane — who later appeared on the show as Jubal Foster in 1962 — orchestrated an expanded version of the tune with lyrics, and the song was named “The Fishin’ Hole.” Shortly after, Capitol Records released a mass-produced record of the tune featuring Andy Griffith on vocals. The song featured the lines: “We may not get a bite all day, but don’t you rush away / What a great place to rest your bones and mighty fine for skippin’ stones / You’ll feel fresh as a lemonade, a-settin’ in the shade / Whether it’s hot, whether it’s cool, oh what a spot for whistlin’ like a fool / What a fine day to take a stroll and wander by the fishin’ hole.”

The Setting Was Based on Griffith’s Hometown

While the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, was created exclusively for the show, it was inspired by Andy Griffith’s birthplace of Mount Airy, North Carolina. In fact, people and places in and around Mount Airy were frequently referenced within the fictional world of The Andy Griffith Show. Take for example the fictional town of Mount Pilot, which was located near Mayberry in the show. Its name was taken from the very real town of Pilot Mountain, which is located about 12 miles down the road from the real-life Mount Airy.

Today, the residents of Mount Airy have embraced this legacy and transformed the town into a must-see destination for fans of the series. Locations from the show that were once entirely fictional have been transformed into real-life institutions, such as Floyd’s City Barber Shop and the Old Mayberry Jail. Visitors can even take a squad car tour in a vintage police cruiser just like Sheriff Taylor drove or pop into the Andy Griffith Museum to check out some memorabilia from the show.

It Was the No. 1 Rated Show When It Ended

TV shows have a tendency to overstay their welcome and end up becoming less popular in later seasons. But this fate didn’t befall The Andy Griffith Show, which is one of only three shows in history to end its run at the top of the Nielsen ratings charts, a feat it shares with I Love Lucy and Seinfeld.

During its entire eight-season run, The Andy Griffith Show maintained a top-seven spot in the ratings, even during later seasons after the beloved Don Knotts left the program. When the final episode aired on April 1, 1968, The Andy Griffith Show was sitting firmly in the No. 1 spot on the charts. In fact, during its final season, the show was viewed by an estimated audience of around 15.6 million viewers, beating out The Lucy Show; Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (an Andy Griffith spin-off); and Gunsmoke, as well as every other program on television at the time.

One Spin-off Ran for Three Seasons

Although The Andy Griffith Show came to a close in 1968, it wasn’t the last we saw of those characters. During the show’s final season, producers began work on a spin-off called Mayberry R.F.D. (Rural Free Delivery). In fact, The Andy Griffith Show introduced new characters such as Sam Jones and his son Mike during its final season, with the idea that they’d become the main focus of Mayberry R.F.D. The final episode of The Andy Griffith Show was even titled “Mayberry R.F.D.,” serving as the de facto pilot for the new spin-off.

With Griffith staying on as executive producer and appearing in a few early episodes, Mayberry R.F.D. first hit the air in 1968. The inaugural episode — titled “Andy and Helen Get Married” — featured appearances by Griffith, Knotts, and Howard. It went on to enjoy a 78-episode run over the course of three seasons before the series finale aired in 1971. But that still wasn’t all: A made-for-TV reunion movie called Return to Mayberry was produced in 1986. Sixteen original Andy Griffith cast members reprised their roles for the movie, which centers on Andy Taylor as he returns home to visit his son Opie and help his friend Barney Fife run for sheriff.

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When you’re invited to stay at someone’s home, it’s important to be a gracious guest. Your behavior during the visit can leave a lasting impression and can impact your relationship with your hosts. Whether you’re visiting an old friend or spending the holidays with loved ones, it’s always wise to put your best foot forward. To that end, good etiquette isn’t just about following rules — it’s also about making the experience pleasant and stress-free for everyone involved.

The next time you visit someone’s home, keep these etiquette tips in mind to ensure an enjoyable stay for both you and your host.

Communicate Your Travel Plans in Advance

Before your visit, make sure your host knows exactly when you’ll be arriving, how long you plan to stay, and any special needs you might have, including dietary considerations or allergies. It’s never ideal to arrive unannounced or to leave your departure date open-ended. Being clear about your plans as far in advance as possible will help your host prepare for your stay and accommodate you comfortably. According to the Emily Post Institute, the organization founded by the eponymous etiquette expert in 1946, visits should be “short and sweet” — typically no more than three nights. However long your stay, be sure your host is in agreement with your plans.

When possible, try to work around your host’s household schedule (for instance, work hours and school start and end times) and avoid late-night arrivals or departures that could disrupt their sleep. Don’t bring any unexpected additional visitors, including children or friends, without clearing it with your host in advance. Most etiquette experts agree you shouldn’t ask to bring your pet along, as this could put your host in an awkward position. If you need to travel with your pet, offer to stay in a hotel or ask about nearby pet care. This will give your host the chance to extend their invitation to include your pet, if they can.

Bring a Gift for Your Hosts

A good rule of thumb when visiting someone’s home — whether for a few hours or a few days — is to “always show up with something in hand,” according to the Emily Post Institute. A small token of appreciation, such as a bottle of wine, bouquet of flowers, potted plant, or box of chocolates, can go a long way in expressing gratitude. Bringing a gift shows you value the effort your host has put into your stay, and helps set the tone for your visit. If you’re staying with a family, consider a gift everyone can enjoy, such as a board game, puzzle, or snack basket.

You could also show your appreciation by buying groceries and preparing dinner one night, or treating your hosts to an evening out during your visit. If your hosts have young children, you could even offer to babysit one evening so they can go out to dinner. Alternatively, you could offer to pay a sitter so you can all go out together.

Respect the House Rules and Routines

Every home has its own set of routines and expectations, whether about wearing shoes inside, noise levels in the early morning and late evening, if phones are allowed at the dinner table, or when (and where) meals are typically eaten. Make an effort to observe your hosts and follow their house rules without being asked. If in doubt, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your host whether there’s anything you need to know. It’s a simple way to show respect for their space and routines.

When it comes to consumables, ask before drinking the last of the coffee or juice or snagging the last piece of fruit left in the bowl on the counter. Being considerate of house rules also extends to any children or pets in the home. Ask what’s acceptable before bringing along any sugary treats for the kids or queuing up your favorite TV-MA series in a common room. Likewise, check with your hosts before giving Fido a treat or allowing Fluffy to share the couch or bed with you.

Be Tidy and Self-Sufficient

Whether you’re staying in a guest room or sleeping on a sofa, do your best to keep your area neat. Make the bed every morning, tuck away your belongings, and avoid leaving a mess in common areas. Also be mindful of how long you spend in shared spaces such as the bathroom, and return any borrowed items, including magazines and phone chargers, to their proper place when you are finished with them.

While your host may be eager to make you comfortable, don’t expect them to wait on you hand and foot. Offer to help with chores such as setting the table, doing the dishes, or walking the dog. When your visit comes to an end, try to leave the space as clean as you found it, if not cleaner. Wipe down bathroom counters, take out any trash, and double-check that you haven’t left anything behind. Ask if you should strip the bed linens; if not, make the bed before you leave so your host can wash the sheets at their convenience.

Express Your Gratitude and Extend an Invitation

When it’s time to leave, it’s nice to express your appreciation for your host’s hospitality and the time they spent with you. Mention any specific favorite moments and be sincere in extending an invitation for them to visit your own home or city. A handwritten thank-you note, whether left behind or mailed once you arrive back home, is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. If you took pictures during your visit, you may consider sending some along with your note, as a reminder of the memories you made together.

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Most of us are familiar with common color-themed turns of phrase, such as “feeling blue” when we’re sad, “seeing red” when we’re angry, or “being green” with envy. But why do we associate certain colors with certain feelings or emotions? Phrases such as the ones above can be traced back to a scientifically substantiated phenomenon known as color psychology, a practice that’s existed in various forms for millennia. 

Indeed, colors have a far greater influence on our mood and perception than many of us realize. Here are five things you may not know about the psychology of colors.

Ancient Civilizations Used Color Therapy To Treat Ailments

Color therapy, or chromotherapy, might sound like a type of New Age science, but using specific colors to promote mental wellness has been in practice since around 2000 BCE. Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, China, and India dabbled in primitive chromotherapy to treat various physical and mental ailments. Early healers used minerals, crystals, salves, dyes, garments, oils, and plasters in specific hues to treat everything from general aches to fertility issues to nosebleeds.

Ancient Egyptians and Greeks took their chromotherapy one step further by introducing elements of phototherapy. These civilizations built “healing temples” where sunlight shone through jewels or gemstones such as rubies and sapphires to cast a different colored light in the temple’s many rooms. Practitioners would then place patients in a specific colored room depending on the ailment they were looking to cure. 

Color Psychology Helped Determine Paint Colors for Jail Cells 

The color of the walls might not be the first thing you think of when imagining a jail cell, but in the late 1970s and early 1980s, prison paint colors became a divisive topic of conversation. A 1985 study hypothesized that a specific shade of pink, named Baker-Miller Pink (think: Pepto Bismol), helped pacify inmates, reducing aggression and violent outbursts. While the researchers behind the study hypothesized that this particular shade of pink affects the brain’s response to stress, follow-up empirical examinations were unable to produce the same results. Nevertheless, prisons across the world began repainting their walls with the same pink hue, with varying degrees of success. 

Chromotherapy Helps Determine the Color of Pills 

Imagine two pieces of fresh fruit: One is vibrant and rich in color, and the other is pale and muted. More often than not, we’ll consider the former to be fresher and tastier, even if that isn’t actually the case. The same goes for medications. For example, we might subconsciously assume a calming blue pill would be more effective as a sleep aid than a bright, zingy yellow. 

Color psychology even plays a role in how likely a patient is to continue taking their medication. A 2013 study found that patients who were taking a prescription medication whose color was unexpectedly changed by its supplier were 50% more likely to stop taking the drug. Those who continued to take the drugs despite the color change were also more likely to assume the medication was less effective. 

We’re More Likely To Forget Black-and-White Images

If given the option between looking at something in black and white or full color, many of us would choose the latter for its more realistic representation of the world around us. But according to a German study, this is more than just a matter of preference. Our brains are actually more likely to remember things we see in color. Researchers showed study participants 48 photographs, some in color and some in black and white, and the participants overwhelmingly recalled the full-color pictures more easily. 

“It appears as if our memory system is tuned, presumably by evolution and/or during development, to the color structure found in the world,” the study’s co-author, Dr. Karl Gegenfurtner, said in a statement about the research. This could explain why the world contained within black-and-white images and movies can feel almost foreign to us — our systems don’t engage as well when the color structure differs so drastically from our everyday reality. 

Colors Are Often Associated With Temperature and Emotions 

Color psychology manifests in both universal and culture-specific ways. Temperature associations fall within the former category, and are often explained by nature. We readily associate heat with warm colors, such as red and yellow, because naturally hot things including fire and the sun contain these colors. Conversely, water and forests — typically associated with cooler temperatures — are primarily blue and green, and so we mentally connect those colors with coolness.

We may also use this type of color association to assess someone’s inner temperature, so to speak — their feelings. If someone is hot-headed or angry, they may be more closely linked to the color red, while someone feeling sad or low-energy may be associated with the color blue. 

Color-based perceptions can also be rooted in cultural attitudes and beliefs, and can vary across cultures. For instance, in places such as China, Denmark, and Argentina, the color red is thought to bring good luck and prosperity. But in Germany, Nigeria, and Chad, the same color is considered unlucky. And while wearing white in the U.S. often indicates purity or innocence, white clothing in East Asia is a sign of mourning, a stark departure from the typical black mourning clothes seen in much of the Western world.

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From the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the salty shores of Atlantic City, countless people flock to casinos every day in the hopes of hitting it big. In fact, gambling is so widespread and popular in the U.S. that an estimated 60% of American adults say they’ve gambled within the past year. Of course, it’s important to know your limits before setting foot in a casino, as one bad night could have catastrophic consequences on your finances. But it can be easier said than done to get up from the table and walk out the door, as casinos employ a number of tricks to get you to keep betting. Here are eight common methods to look out for.

No Clocks or Windows

Casinos are designed to cut gamblers off from the outside world and keep them betting as long as possible. The more that people lose track of time, the more likely they are to stay at the slot machine and repeatedly pull that lever. One way this is accomplished is through the absence of any clocks or windows inside the casino — an intentional design choice to obscure the passage of time. Casinos want their visitors to focus on the game rather than worrying about when it’s time to leave. If there are any windows near the entrance, they’re usually heavily tinted to make it more difficult for customers to tell what time of day it is.

Lights and Sounds

In addition to cutting people off from the outside world, casinos also want to establish a fun and frenetic environment. This is done by overloading people’s senses with bright lights and loud noises to create a party-like atmosphere. The flashing lights and blaring alarms serve as a constant reminder of just how exciting it is to win big, which hypes visitors up and makes them eager to gamble. Even if someone has lost big, these sounds may deceive them into thinking good luck is right around the corner. One 2018 study even found that sensory stimulation can prompt people to make riskier decisions, which is exactly what casinos want.

Free Drinks

Lots of casinos offer free tableside and slotside drink service as long as customers keep betting. But while free alcohol may seem like a hospitable gesture, it’s all part of a larger scheme to keep customers feeling happy — and lower people’s inhibitions to make them more likely to place risky bets. 

Complimentary Rooms

Comping a stay at a casino seems like a generous gesture on the surface, as it can save visitors hundreds of dollars on a hotel room. But it’s also a tactic casinos use to build trust and get people to come back. Casinos want to ensure as many repeat customers as possible — especially if those repeat customers happen to be unlucky gamblers. By offering up a free stay in a hotel room that would normally cost $200, the casino may be losing out on some cash up front. But they’re also building rapport with visitors in the hopes they’ll return and gamble away an amount that far exceeds the cost of that hotel room.

Cold Temperatures

Casinos keep their internal temperature low year-round; the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, for instance, keeps its thermostat set to around 65°F. The cold air keeps the environment feeling fresh as opposed to muggy and uncomfortable. Nobody wants to spend time in a casino feeling sticky or drenched in sweat, and they will likely walk right out the door if it’s too hot. But the colder temps work to keep people awake, active, and gambling, especially when they get sleepy or after they’ve been drinking. This tactic is particularly effective in the summer months when unlikely gamblers may wander inside to beat the heat.

Maze-Like Designs

When customers first walk into a casino, they may quickly find themselves turned around and losing track of where the exit is. This is all by design, as many casinos feature an almost labyrinthine layout. The quicker someone loses track of the exit, the more likely they’ll be to stick around and see what the casino has to offer. It has the psychological effect of trapping people in, even though they’re completely free to leave.

Chips Instead of Money

Casinos use chips instead of real money in an effort to make customers forget just how much cash is actually at stake. While the value is written right there on the chip, it’s written in a font that’s intentionally small and harder to conceive of than if you were handling a $100 bill. Chips also essentially act as tokens that make everything feel more gamified, thus establishing a more carefree, lower-stakes atmosphere. This concept also applies to slot machines where money is digitized and your winnings are printed out on a voucher. The less physical cash someone deals with at the casino, the more likely they are to lose lots of money without truly realizing it.

A False Sense of Control

The more someone thinks they can control the result of a game, the more likely they are to keep gambling. This plays out in table games such as craps, which is an interactive experience where the player is actually throwing the dice. This helps delude the person into thinking they can affect the result, but in reality, the odds are still always in the casino’s favor. The false sense of control also applies to digital games such as video poker, where people make selections that seemingly control the outcome. But no matter what the customer chooses, they’ll still end up losing more often than not, based on the inherent design of the games. As the expression goes, the house always wins.