You may know that scenting your casino can influence the behavior of your customers by inducing calm, energizing and even neutralizing malodors. But did you know that some of the same scents have the power to influence the behavior of your dealers and staff as well?
How Scent Works
Scientific studies show that the sense of smell is connected to the memory center of the brain (the limbic system), which can recognize thousands of scents, recalling both good and bad memories associated with them.
New scenting technology uses high-quality aroma oils and cold air diffusion systems that enable fragrances to be dispersed evenly and over large spaces. These systems atomize high quality aroma oils, convert them into molecules and disperse them throughout the environment.
Thousands of scents and scent combinations are available: scents that are scientifically proven to connect with the brain’s memory center and help influence human behavior
Here are five ways that your customers and employees can benefit simultaneously from scent.
#1: Elevate Mood
Whether folks are there to gamble or to work, some days, it helps to have a little lift.
Scents such as white tea, bamboo and sandalwood are known to do just that: elevate mood and give a lift.
White tea and bamboo are also known to
- Help make memorable first impressions
- Trigger familiar memories
- And even lengthen visits.
Using these scents – or a mixture of them – can offer a quick pick-me-up to anyone in your game room.
#2: Motivate
Everyone needs a little motivation now and then.
Whether it’s the player who’s deciding between staying in the game or calling it a day, or the employee who’s nearing the end of their shift, motivation is key to follow-through and ending the day on a high note.
Studies show that citrus scents such as lemon, orange and grapefruit have the power to motivate as well as lift morale.
And the scent of peppermint is associated with increased performance.
#3: Energize
Your dealers and staff need to be at the top of their game during their shifts. And customers who have spent hours gambling may feel their energy level waning.
Putting a little energy boost in the air with the scent of cinnamon is one way you can help with that.
Research shows that cinnamon is a wonderful scent that can help boost brain function by improving cognitive activities such as visual-motor response, working memory and attention span. This spicy hot scent is also known to produce feelings of joy as well as reduce drowsiness and irritability.
Some hospitals use the scent of cinnamon to keep their employees alert, energized and engaged during long shifts of patient care.
You can do the same in your casino.
#4: Induce Calm
Sometimes there’s a lot at stake on the table. That can make for anxious employees and anxious players.
Both vanilla and lavender scents have been shown to induce feelings of calm, which may be just what you need to keep your employees and players relaxed and even-tempered.
- A study conducted at Tubingen University in Germany proved the scent of vanilla reduces the ‘startle’ reflex in both humans and animals. It’s often assumed that vanilla’s universal effect on humans is due to positive childhood association. However, when introduced to animals, it shows to have a calming effect as well, indicating that there may be a more essential property of the scent that induces feelings of calm.
- According to a 2012 study done at the J. Medical Association in Thailand, researchers reported that lavender not only relaxed subjects but also improved their mental alertness. Subjects also reported decreased anxiety and higher levels of euphoria.
#5: Decrease Stress
Stress often goes with the job but is also a leading cause of employee dissatisfaction.
And of course, gamblers can experience stress as they play.
Scents that can help decrease feelings of stress include: citrus and surprisingly, nutmeg.
- Healthcare facilities are known for their high-stress workplace environments and were some of the first to adopt scenting strategies to combat stress. After introducing citrus scents into their workplace, some healthcare facilities have reported drops in stress levels by as much as 40 percent.
- Although nutmeg is most often associated with sweet and savory dishes, the rich and earthy aroma of this spice has also been shown to relieve stress and even reduce blood pressure. A patent by International Flavors and Fragrances includes research showing that nutmeg oil has stress-reducing effects. And no less than four separate studies show that nutmeg significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in response to a mild stressor.
Nutmeg has also been found to lower anxiety, tension and anger as well as increase calmness, relaxation and happiness.
That’s a winning recipe for both your staff and customers.
Scent: Double the Payoff
Clearly, scent offers a two for one payoff. Scent can influence the behavior of your customers, as well as help your dealers and staff perform in their jobs better.
And that’s good business for you, your staff and your customers.
To find out how scent can benefit your casino, give us a call at 800.492.9030 and let’s talk.
