/ Editor / 08 January 2008 / Leave a comment

RESEARCHERS at the University of Guelph have constructed a virtual Vegas."

To the wastes of Ontario where researchers have created the sites, smells and feel of 17 Sin City casinos inside a giant sphere.

As Karen Finlay, a professor of marketing and consumer studies, explain there is a purpose to this technology: "We started out by looking at the environment of the casino and identifying elements of the design that induce certain emotions which could impact the way someone gambles."

In short: Can being in a casino influence your behaviour. The university should have saved its money. Yes, is the answer. There are no clocks in Vegas casinos.

Says Finlay: "Obtaining the panascope allows us to immerse people in that setting and get a little bit closer to the reality of actually being in a casino. (It's) a positive thing for us because we can then say, with a greater certainty, that we're actually tapping into the way people would act and feel in a casino setting."

It works like this: "The experience of standing inside the casino simulator, seeing nothing but slots and gaming tables in every direction, is interrupted occasionally with an image of an idyllic lake and mountain setting to demonstrate how fully immersed one becomes in a casino setting.

"The 'playground' setting employs high ceilings, ample space between machines and elements like water and vegetation that keep people's minds from focusing solely on gaming...

"The 'gaming' setting features a maze of machines in which gamblers are tucked into corners with their machines, out of sight of distractions like restaurants."

Interesting stuff. Or you could just play casino at home and surround yourself with whatever and whoever you like...

Tags: Las Vegas, Technology