43 Gambling myths debunked

Iasmina Bunea

Casino expert

Updated:
43 Gambling myths debunked

Gambling is surrounded by numerous myths. Some have been around for ages, while others are modern misconceptions. Many don't hold true, so we’re here to dissect the top 43 myths about gambling. Let's dive in!

General gambling myths

    1. Gambling can be a reliable source of income</strong>

Gambling source of income

    This is a widely believed myth about gambling, often fueled by tales of professional gamblers who scoop up huge sums at tournaments. This leads ordinary players to think they can make gambling a career, but the reality is different. While pros might land big payouts, they usually reinvest or diversify to secure steady income streams.

      1. You've got a chance to recoup losses during a losing streak</strong>

    Recovering losses during a gambling session isn't a given.

      Though it's possible to regain losses occasionally, it's far from the norm. In many cases, players end up deeper in the red, which keeps casinos thriving. If you've hit a rough patch, stepping away rather than pursuing losses is a wiser choice.

        1. The myth of “hot” and “cold” slots

      The Myth of Hot and Cold Slots

        In casinos, some players might claim that machines have moods, labeling slots as 'hot' if they’ve recently paid out or 'cold' if not. In truth, slots operate using random algorithms, offering no predictability to each spin's outcome.

          Slots are often programmed with an idea called Loss Disguised as a Win (LDW). They return less in credits than your stake, creating a false sense of victory while you're still losing, making every machine essentially 'cold.'

            1. Bookmakers possess foresight to events' results

          Bookmakers know upcoming events

            The notion might sound outlandish, yet some gamblers buy into it. Bookmakers can't predict event outcomes due to numerous influencing factors.

              If they could foresee results, their profits would skyrocket. Like stock trading, bookmakers adjust odds based on pre-event trends.

              1. Casino games are rigged

                Casino games are rigged

                The speculation that casino games are manipulated has a long history, for understandable reasons. Players experience more losses than wins, leaving some to believe games are rigged. They're not, at least not in the sinister way presumed.

                Casino games operate with a built-in house edge, ensuring the establishment generally prevails. They can't wilfully alter game outcomes.

              2. Brick-and-mortar casinos energize you by adding oxygen to the air

              3. Physical casinos stimulate your senses with lively atmospheres. People are engrossed in games, drinks, and conversations. The buzz may seem supernatural, leading to the myth of casinos inflating oxygen levels to maintain alertness.

                This isn’t factual, as heightened oxygen levels increase fire hazards. The source of this myth might be Mario Puzo's novel 'Fools Die' depicting such a scenario.

                Casinos meddle with game outcomes if you win excessively

              4. Casinos lack the capability to set specific outcomes for games. Casino games use intricate algorithms for each play to ensure randomness and unpredictability. The math-based house edge guarantees casino profitability while offering enough rewards to entice players.

              5. Casinos can change a game’s outcome

                Some Roulette dealers can determine when the wheel stops

              6. Contrary to beliefs about rigged games, some think Roulette dealers can predict or control spins. This myth arises from movies, as it's impossible for dealers to train or execute such precision. In truth, dealers are impartial employees who often root for player success.

              7. Roulette dealers can stop the wheel

                Online casinos exist to launder money

                This myth stems from partial truth. Some unlicensed online casinos may engage in money laundering. Yet, numerous online casinos undergo rigorous licensing checks, making them legitimate and safe. The claim that all online casinos support laundering is false .

              8. Online casinos usurp clients from physical ones

              9. Many online platforms are digital versions of physical counterparts, owned by the same firms. Hence, online casinos complement their land-based peers. Exclusively online entities cater to individuals who can't or won't visit real gaming venues. Traditional casinos retain a loyal client base, most of whom also play online.

              10. Winning at online card games relies on counting cards

              11. Many Blackjack aficionados are attracted to card counting strategies. However, this doesn't work online, where decks are reshuffled each hand by the computer.

                Online games freeze if you're on a winning streak

              12. Online casinos lack the ability to freeze games at will, and if they could, discouraging winners isn’t beneficial. Winning players are encouraged to keep playing, risking losses. Game freezes often arise from tech issues or unstable internet.

              13. <strong>Progressive jackpots are won more on weekends</strong>

                Competing with any slot machine, Progressive jackpots follow Random Number Generators, prohibiting predictability. Claims of jackpots favoring certain days are myths.

              14. Successive jackpots are rare but possible. Much like other game awards, jackpots are handed out randomly, relying solely on odds. Twin jackpots aren’t unfathomable.

              15. Online games freeze if you win

                Predicting winning lottery numbers is attainable

                Prophecies about winning lottery picks are often reserved for so-called psychics, with little success. Many lotto winners have crafted elaborate plans right before purchasing tickets. Yet, the reliability of such strategies remains unvalidated, as lottery draws are algorithmically random, dodging prediction.

              16. Coin results can be anticipated

              17. Predicting coin toss outcomes is simpler than lottery numbers due to a 50-50 likelihood. Still, with a fair coin, you can’t predict heads or tails—only chance a guess.

                Winning slot sequences can be forecasted

              18. You cannot hit two jackpots in a row

              19. You cannot hit two jackpots

                Players might convince themselves they're attuned to a slot's payout rhythm, adjusting bets post-win expecting cooldown time. This logic fails since Random Number Generators lack any set sequence, allowing wins at any spin.

                Myths about predicting winnings

              20. Slot fans may think near-misses suggest an impending win. In reality, 'almost wins' are pure chance, not indicative of future results. Every spin has the equal possibility of victory.

              21. <strong>Misfortune will give way to fortune</strong>

                During long losing periods, you might believe your luck will turn merely because it can’t stay bad forever. Sadly, there's no assurance of wins post-losses, although this myth keeps spirits up through dry spells. how to tell a winning lottery ticket You can exploit past trends for future gains

                While gaming, spotting a retrospective pattern might tempt you to bet on its repetition. This is misleading since patterns generated by Random Number Generators aren’t repeatable. Most apparent patterns are coincidences.

              22. 43 Gambling Myths Exposed - Discover the Realities Beneath These Tales!

              23. Predicting a coin toss

                Uncover the truths and misconceptions behind the top 43 gambling myths! Delve into the details here to transform your future gaming adventures!

              24. The world of gambling is shrouded in myths, some dating back centuries and others more contemporary. However, most are not rooted in reality. We're here to unravel the truths behind the 43 most widespread gambling myths. Let's dive in!

              25. <strong>Is Gambling a Reliable Source of Steady Income?</strong>

                This is one of the most common misconceptions about gambling. It's fueled by stories of professional gamblers pocketing huge sums from tournaments. This leads many to believe they can make a living from it. The truth is, professional gamblers might score big wins, but they also invest in other ventures for a consistent income.

              26. The “almost win” myth

              27. The almost win myth

                Can You Recoup Your Losses After a Bad Streak?

              28. It’s possible to claw back some losses occasionally, but this isn't a guaranteed play. In reality, more often than not, players face a greater risk of losses, which is the reason casinos stay in business. If you’re on a losing streak, stepping back is wiser than chasing your losses.

              29. Luck changes start winning

                In traditional casinos, players often talk about machines being 'hot' or 'cold.' A 'hot' machine is believed to have given out recent payouts, while a 'cold' one hasn't. In truth, every slot operates with algorithms ensuring each spin is entirely random, debunking the 'hot' and 'cold' myth.

              30. Every slot machine operates on what is called Loss Disguised as a Win (LDW). It’s when machines return fewer credits than you’ve wagered, which can create the illusion of winning when you're not. Therefore, you might say all slots are inherently 'cold.'

              31. Do Bookmakers Have Inside Information on Event Outcomes?

                Myths about your winning chances

              32. Feeling lucky

              33. Feeling lucky

                While it sounds far-fetched, some betters believe it's true. In reality, bookmakers aren’t privy to event outcomes in advance due to numerous unpredictable factors that can impact results.

              34. Lucky charms help you win

              35. Lucky charms

                If they could predict outcomes, these businesses would be exceptionally profitable. The bookmaking field mirrors the stock market, where lines pivot based on pre-event trends.

              36. The notion of fixed casino games is a longstanding one. Given players often lose more than they win, it’s assumed games are rigged. However, this isn’t accurate. What actually happens is that casino games have a built-in advantage for the house, keeping the casino on the winning side without skewing game outcomes.

              37. <strong>Do Casinos Enhance Alertness by Deliberately Intoxicating the Air with Oxygen?</strong>

                Casinos are buzzing epicenters of energy and excitement, filled with patrons eagerly engaging in games, drinks, and socializing. The myth that casinos oxygenate the air to heighten player alertness simply isn’t true. Introducing excess oxygen would be a fire hazard. This idea may have its roots in fiction, like Mario Puzo’s 'Fools Die,' where such a scenario unfolds.

              38. Can Casinos Alter Game Outcomes if You Win Too Much?

              39. Casinos can't manipulate game results. Games are engineered to follow algorithms providing random outcomes with each play, designed to ensure the house edge over time while still offering enough wins to keep players engaged and entertained.

                Could Roulette Croupiers Control the Ball's Landing Spot?

              40. Betting on the same lottery numbers

              41. Betting on the same lottery numbers

                Echoing the fixed games myth, some believe that Roulette dealers could manipulate spins. This is untrue. Not only is such precision virtually unattainable, but dealers generally hope for players to succeed. It might make for compelling fiction, but in the real world, dealers are regular staff without ulterior motives or superhuman skills.

              42. Are Online Casinos Fronts for Money Laundering?

              43. This myth has some basis in reality. A few unlicensed online casinos may indeed operate for such illicit activities. However, numerous online platforms undergo stringent checks to gain legitimate licensing, making them safe and reliable for players. It’s incorrect to claim that every online casino is created for money laundering.

                Do Online Casinos Lure Away Patrons from Land-Based Ones?

              44. Playing more than one game at a time

              45. Playing more than one game at a time

                Some online casinos are digital extensions of established brick-and-mortar establishments, under the same ownership. They serve as additional venues for players who prefer or require online access. Meanwhile, land-based casinos maintain a steady clientele, with many patrons enjoying both physical and virtual experiences.

              46. Is Card Counting Feasible in Online Casino Settings?

              47. More changes to win in a busy casino

                Card counting is a famed strategy in Blackjack, tried by many. However, online platforms thwart this by automatically shuffling the decks with each hand, making traditional card counting ineffective.

              48. Can Online Games Be Frozen After a Winning Streak?

              49. Online casinos don’t have the capacity to suspend games at their discretion. Were they able to, it would be counterproductive, as winning players are likely to keep wagering. Game interruptions can occur but are typically due to technical issues or unstable connections.

                Are Progressive Jackpots More Likely to Payout on Weekends?

              50. Counting cards is illegal

              51. Like typical slots, Progressive jackpots are governed by Random Number Generators (RNGs), preventing any reliable prediction of payouts. Thus, the notion that jackpots tend to hit more on weekends is purely fictional.

              52. While back-to-back jackpots are exceedingly rare, they do happen on occasion. Jackpots, akin to any other win in gambling, are entirely driven by chance.

              53. Can You Predict Winning Lottery Numbers?

              54. Prophets have claimed foresight in picking winning numbers, yet real results remain elusive. Across time, several lottery victors have crafted data-driven methodologies but the dependability of these strategies remains speculative.

              55. Lottery draws rely on algorithmic randomness, placing them beyond human prediction, whether via individuals or sophisticated software.

              56. Is a Coin Toss Result Predictable?

              57. Although flipping a coin offers a 50-50 chance, with a fair coin, there's no definite method to foresee heads or tails—you’re merely banking on luck.

              58. Are Slot Machine Wins Predictable?

              59. Some players might think they have familiarized themselves with a slot’s rhythms, allowing them to foresee payouts. This belief leads many to reduce bets after wins, believing the machine cycles through phases. However, RNG systems disallow patterning, proving each spin an independent event.

                Frequent slot enthusiasts might hear that almost lining up a jackpot suggests impending success. This 'near-miss' belief is all about chance, existing only in the realm of probabilities and not dictated by any preordained sequence.

              60. Does Luck Eventually Swing Your Way?

              61. Should you endure a streak of losses, it’s comforting to cling to the idea that fortune must turn. Regrettably, that’s not how probability works. This hopeful myth persists, but no amount of optimism can assure wins.

              62. Do Trends Indicate Future Winning Streaks?

              63. Observing a game's past results might suggest a pattern, tempting you to bet accordingly. However, any detectable sequences are retrospective creations from RNGs, unreliable for future predictions. Apparent patterns often just reflect coincidence.

              64. Most teens don’t gamble

              65. 43 Gambling Myths Revealed - Uncover the Real Facts Behind Them!

              66. Teens don’t get addicted

              67. Get to know the real facts versus fiction when it comes to the top 43 gambling myths! Dive deep into the details here, and transform how you approach your betting adventures!

              68. Gambling, as an activity, has always been surrounded by myths. Some have persisted through years, while others are relatively new. However, many of these beliefs lack any factual basis. That's why we're about to unveil the truth behind 43 of the most prevalent gambling myths. Let's dive in!

              69. Some believe gambling can provide a steady income</strong.

              70. This notion is one of the most widely believed gambling myths. People often overlook the fact that high-profile professional gamblers, who can win massive tournament prizes, are often the root of this misconception. Seeing these successes, many casual gamblers think they can earn a living through gambling, but it’s far from the truth. The professionals often reinvest their earnings into diverse ventures, creating reliable income streams.

              71. <strong>You have the chance to recover losses during a losing streak</strong.</strong>

                It's possible to win back losses occasionally.

              72. While it's true that reclaiming your losses can happen on occasion, it's not a reliable occurrence. In fact, most gamblers end up on the losing side more often than they win, which is what helps keep casinos profitable. If you're on a losing streak, stepping back and reassessing can be wiser than trying to recover those losses.

              73. In brick-and-mortar casinos, you might overhear fellow gamblers describing a slot machine as 'hot' or 'cold'. A 'hot' machine supposedly just released a payout, while a 'cold' one hasn’t been as generous. Reality, however, tells a different story; all slots are driven by algorithms that ensure each spin's result is completely random.

                Slot machines use a system known as Loss Disguised as a Win (LDW). This mechanism awards fewer credits than what was wagered, making wins appear more frequent than they truly are. As a result, in terms of payouts, all slot machines are essentially 'cold'.

              74. You cannot treat problem gambling

              75. Bookies have insider knowledge of event outcomes before they happen

              76. For many, the idea sounds far-fetched, but some gamblers genuinely believe this. However, bookmakers cannot foresee event outcomes as these are affected by countless unpredictable variables.

              Possessing such insights would make bookmaking businesses much more lucrative. Like stocks, betting lines adjust based on trends before an event actually occurs.

              The suspicion that casino games are fixed has long existed, and it’s understandable why. With players frequently finding themselves at a disadvantage, the natural assumption might be to blame a rigged system. In truth, these games aren't manipulated in the way you might imagine.