Top 10 Gambling Myths Exposed and Busted

There are a lot of misconceptions about gambling myths, such as the idea that casinos are dishonest or that you might go to jail for counting cards.

We hope to end the rumor mill once and for all by debunking the most pervasive falsehoods about gambling.

GAMBLING MYTH 1: Casinos Pump Oxygen Into The Air

A small but vocal subset of gamblers hold the conspiracy theory that casinos secretly boost the concentration of oxygen in the air conditioning on casino floors to make customers feel more alert and, in turn, more eager to wager.

This is not true, and there is a good explanation for it.

Since adding oxygen to the air of a casino would make it more combustible, casinos avoid doing so. Furthermore, no gambling establishment wants to go up in flames. Consider this.

Yeah, and it’s also against the law in many nations to mess with the air supply. You should be safe to gamble in a casino as long as it has the proper licensing to do so.

GAMBLING MYTH 2: Casino Games Are Rigged

One thing needs to be made very clear: the games in casinos are not fixed.

Are there built-in advantages for the casino in casino games? That is, of course, how casinos generate revenue.

However this advantage accrues slowly across thousands of players. That doesn’t rule out victory, though.

People generally believe that table games are fair since they can watch the dealer’s every move.

So, regarding those slots… How can one possibly understand the inner workings of a slot machine?

A random number generator (RNG) is used in every slot machine to decide which symbols drop for a truly unpredictable experience. Every spin offers exactly the same potential for a win.

You no longer have to take our word for it when we talk about RNGs. Do you recognize the phrase “licensed and regulated” used by legitimate casinos? Slot machine random number generators are subject to external testing as part of this legislation.

There is some truth to this urban legend, as casinos design their games to guarantee a long-term advantage for themselves.

Yet, the odds aren’t stacked against you, and you have just as much of a chance as everyone else to win big.

GAMBLING MYTH 3: Card Counting Is Illegal

Card counting is perfectly lawful and will not get you locked up if you are caught.

Because card counting lowers the casino’s edge, most establishments frown upon such practice.

You will only be asked to leave the casino if you get caught. Worst case scenario, they’ll tell other casinos who you are.

Counting cards won’t result in a judge sending you a summons out of the blue.

Casinos would like you to believe this because it increases the likelihood that you will avoid card counting.

GAMBLING MYTH 4: Gambling Isn’t Addictive

Recognizing that gambling is addictive is a major step in preventing problem gambling, thus this one is vital.

When you score a victory at the casino, your brain releases feel-good hormones like dopamine. The more often you set off this response, the more frequently you want to set off similar emotions.

In an effort to maintain that high, some gamblers may engage in risky behavior in pursuit of it.

Enjoying gambling is OK, but knowing when to quit is important.

Limiting your time spent gambling or the amount of money you can spend before entering a casino will help prevent you from becoming addicted.

GAMBLING MYTH 5: There Are Hot And Cold Slot Machines

The notion behind this fallacy is that your odds of winning increase once a machine begins dispensing cash. It’s a “hot slot,” for short.

Similarly, slots can go ‘cold,’ or without payouts for extended periods of time.

Those random number generators, eh? This myth has finally been debunked.

The odds of winning on any one spin are the same as they would be on any other spin.

It’s common for slot machines to pay out multiple times in rapid succession. Sometimes slot machines continue on for ages without giving anything out.

Don’t listen to those who tell you otherwise; everything is completely at random.

GAMBLING MYTH 6: You’re Due A Win If You Haven’t Had One In A While

Sticking with the same game to get a high payoff because you’re “deserved” a victory is a common gambling myth.

The Gambler’s Fallacy refers to this common misconception.

If a roulette wheel has yet to produce a winning spin in the past 10 tries, a player might assume that the 11th try will provide a win simply because it’s about time.

This is false, however, because each spin can be treated as though it were conducted independently of the others.

Conversely, if a slot machine has just paid out a large jackpot, gamers may avoid that machine in the future because they fear it won’t pay out again soon.

Remember that what has happened in the past has no bearing on what will happen in the present or the future.

GAMBLING MYTH 7: Dealers Adjust Games If You’re Winning Too Much

Some casino goers have the unfounded belief that dealers would tinker with the odds if they’re winning too frequently.

It bears repeating that the house has an edge in casino games.

Because the casino will ultimately make a profit regardless of anyone plays, the dealers don’t need to cheat.

In addition, to ensure the protection of their customers, land-based casinos are governed by third-party organizations. Authorities will examine dealers’ procedures in addition to slot machines’ random number generators.

There is another way to look at this if you want to avoid putting your faith in casino oversight.

Casinos would likely lose too much money if they had to spend time and resources teaching dealers how to rig games without attracting attention. Sleight of hand and other moves take years to master.

The casino would lose a lot more money on this training than on letting one player hit a large win occasionally. And if no one ever hit it big at the casino, they’d have a bad name for themselves and go out of business quickly.

GAMBLING MYTH 8: Casino Games Are Pure Luck

This myth is partially correct.

While games like slots and roulette rely more on chance than skill, many popular casino games, such as poker and blackjack, require both.

We’ve already established that those who can card count have a theoretical advantage over those who cannot in blackjack.

While luck still plays a significant role, there are techniques to gain slight advantages.

GAMBLING MYTH 9: You’re More Likely To Win Slots In A Busy Casino

Some gamblers believe that slot machine odds improve when the casino is busy because more money is being fed into the machines.

As random number generators calculate slot machine payouts, this statement is false.

The odds of winning at a slot machine are the same whether you’re the only person in the casino or there are lines out the door.

Playing at crowded casinos, however, has its advantages, especially for those who enjoy progressive jackpot games.

The size of a progressive jackpot grows as more bets are placed on a given game. The jackpot at a given slot machine will get larger as more people play it, increasing the payout for a winning spin.

Slot tournaments are a popular attraction at both online and brick-and-mortar casinos. The prize pools at more popular casinos will be higher.

GAMBLING MYTH 10: Online Casinos Don’t Pay Out

There is a widespread misconception that genuine online casinos would always pay out to their customers. Your wins are guaranteed to be paid out by a legitimate casino (providing you follow the wagering requirements).

The widespread belief that online casinos do not pay out stems partly from the fact that many players accept welcome bonuses without fully comprehending what they are.

To prevent bonus misuse, however, promotional offers specify how many times the bonus must be wagered before it may be cashed out.

If you try to make a withdrawal before meeting the necessary wagering conditions, your request will be denied. A lot of people who play at online casinos don’t get this and think the site is trying to rip them off.

Thus, let’s keep things as easy as possible. You may rest assured that your winnings will reach you if you play at a reputable online casino with the appropriate licensing to legally operate in your country.

There are certainly bogus online casinos, but if you play real money slots on a reputable site, you won’t have to worry about getting paid.

By IAN