“Themed on the piazzas of ancient and modern Rome, Caesars Forum Shops [at Caesars Palace] is an entire world, complete with changing skies, fountains and statuary in which day turns to night once an hour, on the hour. The programmed entertainment, manipulated passage of time and attention to detail create an unusually complete substitute universe designed not only to entertain but to disorient the visitor. Every bit of ornament or theming in a casino is intended to separate you in time and space from your nine-to-five routine and the need to make your mortgage payment.”

—Frances Anderton and John Chase, from Las Vegas: The Success of Excess, 1997.