To quote one more QoD reader on the topic, "Every time I visit the Venetian, I notice that the casino has a distinct fragrance. It's very noticeable when you come in from the outside. But the odor is not something that I particularly recognize. I've heard that some people dislike the smell, even to the point of claiming that it causes them breathing problems. However, personally I really like it. Not only does it not bother me, but it actually makes me feel good to be there. (The smell even causes me to think when I arrive, 'Aaah....I'm at the Venetian!') I'm certain that they must be piping something into the casino. So, my question is, what's in the air at the Venetian?"
While the theory that casinos pump pure oxygen into the building to increase your sense of well-being is an urban myth (not least because of the increased fire hazard this would pose), you're all correct that many casinos pump fragrances into the air. The, "Aaah, I'm at the Venetian" comment hits the nail on the head with regard to one of the reasons why and does tie in with the thinking behind the oxygen myth. More of that later...
First, however, one of the reasons properties use artificial aromas is the same reason we use air fresheners in our homes and cars, namely to mask the unpleasant smells that might otherwise pervade the casino floor: Thousands of smoking, beer-spilling, sweating (especially in the height of the Las Vegas summer) patrons would not necessarily make for a pleasant olfactory experience, were the air to be left au naturale. But the countermeasures employed do take psychological factors into consideration, in addition to the pure masking of unpleasant odors.
The company behind many of the casino smells you've smelled is called AromaSys, which bills itself as the "premier provider of custom-scented environments for resort, casino, elite hotel, and spa properties in North America." We've visited their Web site before, which used to list all manner of aroma blends that were available to the commercial sector, but when we logged on this time, we got a "Web site coming soon" message, so they must be in the process of a rebuild or something.
However, we did track down a statement from founder Mark Peltier, in which he explained, "Starting with the Mirage Resort in Las Vegas, we have now provided over 1,000 systems and over 100 aroma blends covering millions of square feet. Comfortable guests stay and play longer. Using our patented systems and customized aromas called Aromatic Symphonies, we offer the gaming industry the most experience and value."
These aromas, including the tropical coconut, lavender, citrus garden, and vanilla that are particularly popular with Las Vegas casinos, are often not natural, but synthetic replicas created in a lab and dispersed by machines to set a mood and encourage customers to linger and, hence, spend more money. Many of them are custom-designed "signature scents" for an individual property, so their uniqueness is also about helping to establish and reinforce the brand (the "Aaah, the Venetian" effect).
While some people aren't bothered by it and, on the contrary, really like these aromas and wish they could reproduce them at home, other people's reactions range from mild annoyance to severe allergy attacks, fears about health and safety issues, and conspiracy theories.
In the early '90s, Alan Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted research in a Las Vegas casino and contended that using the right kind of scent induced customers to spend 45% more on slot machines. Mark Peltier, whose firm was responsible for putting together the scents for that experiment, disputed the findings. "There are no aromas that make people gamble. It's got enormous appeal for sensationalism, but it's not true."
We've read that the American Lung Association has received several complaints about scented locations where the fragrances have triggered flare-ups for asthma sufferers and those sensitive to certain chemicals. The best advice we've read if you experience any problem is to move away from the irritant and complain if it's overpowering (the scent level can be adjusted). Be sure to pack your medications for allergies, asthma, or migraines if you're heading to a casino destination. If you think it might be an issue for you, check with the hotel before you book and explain your concerns.
We recently added a Green Hotel Guide to the LVA site, which covers properties that are more environmentally responsible and are sensitive to allergy sufferers. It's a work in progress, but we encourage you to check it out and email us with your thoughts and feedback.
And for those who love the smells, we regret to inform you that they're only available on a commercial basis, not for domestic use. We contacted Aromasys with your inquiry about the Venetian in particular, and here was the official response: "I was able to meet with our marketing director and regretfully we are simply not ready to provide information at this time. We are very excited to hear that guests are inquiring with your site and I will keep your contact information for future use."
We're not holding our breath (although some of you evidently are!).
