The Economics of Everyday Things
Carnival Games (Replay)
May 27, 2024
Zachary Crockett discusses the emotional allure and deception of carnival games, tactics of 'Sharpies', and the inner workings of Redbone Products. The podcast explores the history, design process, and challenges of running carnival games, highlighting the industry's generational nature and ethical dilemmas.
16:44
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Quick takeaways
- Carnival games are designed to favor operators by preventing excessive winning, ensuring sustained profitability.
- Carnival operators manage games strategically to balance costs, attract customers, and maintain industry integrity.
Deep dives
The Business of Carnival Games
Carnival games are meticulously designed to challenge players and generate revenue for operators. Manufacturers like Redbone Products supply customized games to carnivals worldwide, ensuring a constant need for replacement parts. The design process involves creating games that tilt the odds in favor of operators, preventing excessive winning. Despite the allure of grand prizes, carnival games often leave players frustrated due to their inherently difficult nature and strategic designs.
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