There are lots of false misconceptions about gambling. Whether it’s the idea that casino games are rigged to only pay out at certain times or that getting caught card counting could land you in jail. We thought we would bust the most common of these myths and shine some light on what’s actually going on in casinos.
MYTH 1: Casinos Pump Oxygen Into The Air
Ah, the old “casinos pumping oxygen” myth. This one is a classic that’s been the talk of gamblers for decades. While it does indeed make for a good story, the reality is much less exciting (and dangerous!). If casinos were to pump extra oxygen into the room to keep you buzzing and gambling all night long, it would be more harmful than helpful.
Instead, casinos rely on a whole host of other sneaky tactics to keep you hooked on their games, from flashy lights and sounds to comfy chairs, bottomless drinks, and the clever absence of clocks and windows. So next time you hit the casino floor, rest assured that the air you’re breathing is good old-fashioned oxygen – no extra boost needed!
MYTH 2: Casino Games Are Rigged
Ok guys and gals, let’s put one thing straight: casino games are not rigged. There are absolutely zero reasons for casinos to rig their games because it doesn’t benefit them in any way. Not only is it illegal and unethical, but it would also be a surefire way for the operator to lose their gambling license and ruin their reputation.
What casinos rely on instead are random number generators (RNGs) to power the games and ensure the odds and outcomes are always fair. In blackjack, for example, the house edge comes from the fact that players go first and can bust before the dealer even plays their hand.
Similarly, in roulette, the house edge comes from the green “0” and “00” pockets on the wheel. These odds are fixed and mathematically proven, which means there’s no need for casinos to rig anything. So, next time you’re feeling unlucky, don’t blame the game – just remember that the house always wins!
MYTH 3: Card Counting Is Illegal
Plenty of people still think that card counting is illegal, but the truth is it’s only frowned upon by casinos and isn’t actually considered cheating. The reason the operators get so riled up about people doing it is that it gives players an advantage over the house, and naturally, casinos want to maintain their advantage.
A lot of blackjack pros still use card counting as part of their strategy, and the good thing is, you don’t have to be a champion or maths whizz to be able to learn it. But even if you become a card-counting mastermind, it doesn’t mean you should galavant around the blackjack tables because the casino will probably kick you out on the spot if they catch you doing it. Oh, and in case you were wondering, it’s not possible to do it in online games due to the use of RNG.
MYTH 4: Gambling Isn’t Addictive
Addiction of any kind should not be labeled a myth. Sure, not everyone who gambles will develop a gambling addiction, but for some individuals, the thrill and excitement of gambling can be hard to resist and lead to both compulsive and problematic behavior. This can have a wide range of negative impacts, including financial problems, relationship issues, and even mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
The reason for this is that gambling can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. For some individuals, this can lead to a cycle of compulsive behavior as they seek out that same rush again and again. So, while gambling can be a fun and enjoyable pastime for many people, it’s important to recognize that the danger of becoming addicted is very real indeed.
MYTH 5: There Are Hot And Cold Slot Machines
The idea of this myth suggests that slot machines go through cycles of paying out lots of money (“hot” machines) or paying out very little (“cold” machines). But as mentioned earlier, all casino games are powered by random number generators (RNG); therefore, every spin creates an outcome that is entirely independent and not affected by the results of previous spins.
If you have noticed that a slot machine hasn’t paid out in a while, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s “due” for a big win. And likewise, a machine that has paid out recently is not more likely to dry up and stop paying out anytime soon. The smartest way to play slots is not to rely on hot and cold machines but to budget your money so you can play for as long as possible and not hit the point where you end up chasing losses.
MYTH 6: You’re Due A Win If You Haven’t Had One In A While
This one pretty much goes hand in hand with the one above. Some people refer to it as “the gambler’s fallacy,” which is the belief that if something happens more frequently than normal, it will happen less frequently in the future. It also makes up part of the theory that if you play a specific game for long enough, eventually, you’ll hit a payout.
Let’s take roulette as an example. If a roulette wheel lands on black several times in a row, a gambler might assume that it’s only logical that the ball would be “due” to hit on red next. But again, as every spin of the wheel is random, the odds of the ball landing on red or black are always the same, no matter what the result was before. This is why it’s best to focus on making smart bets based on odds and strategy rather than relying on theory.
MYTH 7: Dealers Adjust Games If You’re Winning Too Much
One of the most popular myths and superstitions among gamblers is that dealers adjust the games if you are winning too much. Again, we need to set the record straight here – casino dealers have no power over the outcome of games. That means they cannot manipulate the odds or set the gameplay up to favor a particular player who has been sweet-talking them for half the night.
Every casino game is designed with a house edge, which means the casino always has a mathematical advantage. That doesn’t prevent the player from hitting a winning or losing streak, though, because the casino cannot statistically win or lose every time. But as casinos are heavily regulated, any attempt by a player or a casino dealer won’t go unnoticed and will result in severe consequences if either gets caught.
MYTH 8: Casino Games Are Pure Luck
There is actually some merit to this myth. While many casino games require a degree of skill to win, like poker or blackjack, games like roulette and slots and based entirely on luck.
We already mentioned card counting, which naturally gives a player a statistical advantage over the house and therefore they have a better chance of winning a game than someone who doesn’t card count. But even with a strategy, you can’t trick a slot machine into paying out.
MYTH 9: A Busy Casino Casino Increases Your Winning Chances
Many gamblers mistakenly believe that visiting a casino that’s packed with punters increases their chances of winning when playing slot machines. This is based on the assumption that the more coins being pumped into these machines, the more likely they are to pay out.
This theory is unequivocally false because as we keep stating, winning spins on slot machines are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which means that the chances of winning are unaffected by the number of people playing or the level of activity in the casino.
But it is worth pointing out that there are benefits of playing progressive jackpot slots when casinos are busy. Why? Because the pot value in these games grows the more people play. While that doesn’t necessarily mean they are more likely to pay out quicker in these scenarios, you’ll hit a much bigger prize if you win in a packed casino than you would if there were only a handful of people in there playing these types of games.
The same goes for slot tournaments. The more people who participate in these organized games and place bets, the bigger the jackpots.
MYTH 10: Online Casinos Don’t Pay Out
It would also be silly to assume that this is a myth because there would be no such thing as online gambling if it were true. That being said, there are instances where casinos won’t pay out, either due to the player misunderstanding the terms for using a promotion (like a welcome bonus with wagering requirements) or because the site they are playing at is a scam.
Online casinos must adhere to the same regulations as land-based casinos, which means paying out your winnings if you are actually eligible to receive them. If you haven’t complied with the terms and conditions, however, the casino has every right to withhold your funds or even void your winnings altogether.
When it comes to rogue online casinos, it’s always down to the player to thoroughly investigate a site before they sign up. If the casino isn’t properly licensed, they can essentially do what they want, and nine times out of ten, that means stealing your money. That’s why it’s always best to stick with certified sites that are governed by a regulatory body, are audited regularly, and are not blacklisted on any credible review sites.
Conclusion
Gambling will forever be teeming with myths and superstitions, but hey, that’s just part of the game! Most of these tales are harmless and actually add to the fun and enjoyment, but it’s always better to take them at face value. If you start believing everything you hear, you could miss out on some great opportunities to have fun – and more importantly – win real money!
