For decades, casino designers have debated two competing theories of gaming floor layout: Bill Friedman's "maze" approach, designed to trap players among slot machines, versus David Kranes's "playground" model, which emphasizes openness and comfort.

The Friedman Maze

Bill Friedman, a former gambling addict turned casino manager, developed 13 principles of casino design based on the idea that players should be immersed in gambling stimuli. Low ceilings, narrow pathways, slot machine clusters blocking sightlines, no clocks, no windows—every element was designed to create a disorienting environment focused entirely on gambling.

The Kranes Playground

David Kranes, a University of Utah professor hired as a casino consultant, proposed the opposite approach. His "playground" model featured high ceilings, natural light, clear sightlines, and comfortable social spaces. The theory: relaxed players gamble longer than stressed ones.

The Research

Studies by researcher Karen Finlay found that playground-style casinos actually generated more revenue per square foot. Players reported feeling less anxious and stayed longer. The research challenged decades of industry orthodoxy about optimal casino design.

Modern Hybrid Designs

Contemporary casinos often blend both approaches. High-limit areas may use maze principles to create intimacy, while main floors adopt playground elements. The Wynn properties exemplify the hybrid: grand public spaces with intimate gaming alcoves.