When you walk into a casino, the lights flash, sounds blare and the machines are calling your name. You stride in, wallet filled with cash and plans for a bit of enjoyable, sensible gaming and maybe two rounds of cocktails. Hours later, you’re not sure what time it is or how much you’ve spent. You’re also no closer to solving a mystery that stretches back to the very beginning of your journey into that twinkly, noisy, gambling oasis.

Gambling is not for everyone. But even for those who gamble responsibly, casinos can be a hard place to step away from. This is mainly due to their design and environment. They’re meant to be labyrinthine, with no straight paths or clear pathways from one area of the casino to another. These are designed to distract you, forcing you to stop and try your hand at a game of roulette or poker that you might not have otherwise considered. It’s also meant to encourage heavy drinking, which lowers inhibitions and clouds judgment. Alcohol is served nonstop, and many of the drinks are free of charge — paid for by the small tips that patrons give to waiters and waitresses.

And, if you’re a regular, casinos can offer you comps such as complimentary meals and hotel stays that make it difficult to leave the casino to meet your basic needs of food, water and sleep. It’s important to remember that gambling has social costs as well as financial ones. But putting a monetary value on those social costs is a complicated task.