Gambling Myths Vs. Gambling Facts

So what are the gambling myths and gambling facts? A myth is defined as: A popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. A fact is defined as: A piece of information presented as having objective reality. In the gambling industry there are numerous myths perceived to be facts that range from how to find where the hot slot machines are to playing tips for table games. You’ve probably encountered a few yourself, like: “If you intend to play the slots, always play the ones closest to the entrance because the casinos put their loosest machines there to attract more players.”  Or, “Give a slot attendant a tip and ask her where the hot slots are.”  Both, of course, are myths. Here are some of the more popular myths vs. facts to help your responsible gambling choices:

Gambling Myths vs. Gambling Facts at Slot Machines

Myth – The loosest machines are placed at the entrances.

Fact – All machines are pre-programed to hold a certain percent of monies played over time to ensure a profit. This is known as the house edge. The percentages may vary from 1 to 15%. These are located throughout the casino.


 Myth – Slot attendants know where the hot ones are. Grease their palm and they’ll lead you to the right machines.

Fact – No one knows which machines are about to hit. Some casinos advertise banks of machines with 98% or 99% paybacks but that is over the long term. If any slot attendant knew which ones were going to hit big then his or her relatives would probably be playing them.

 Myth – Let’s say you’ve been playing a machine for a long time and losing. You decide to leave and another player takes your seat. He hits a jackpot on the first spin. You lament that had you played just one more spin that would have been you!

 Fact – The computer chip in the machine, called the Random Number Generator, generates thousands of combinations every second. Jackpots can happen even when the machine is not in play. It’s not likely that you would have won.


Myths vs. Facts at Table Games

Blackjack

Myth – “The novice player on my right is making all the wrong moves. He just hit on 16 instead of standing against a weak dealer’s 5. He busts by drawing a 10, which should have been mine. I would have won with my double down 11."

Fact - Although true that a bad player can affect the outcome of other players’ hands, it has been proven that he or she can also make decisions that result in other players winning. It evens itself out over the long term.

 Myth – “I just lost 5 hands in a row. I’m due for a win so I’m going to bet up to recoup my losses.”


Fact – The result of your previous hands has no bearing on the results of future hands. If you keep betting up, your money might disappear sooner.

 Craps

Myth – "It’s bad luck when the stickman sends the dice to a shooter with a seven showing."

Fact – Stickpersons do not do this intentionally. Sometimes a die will flip on the felt and a seven will show, but it won’t make a difference. You will often see shooters pre-setting the dice to the numbers they wagered on before they shoot. Actually, this only holds up the game and aggravates other players and the house. Pre-setting the dice have no effect on the outcome of the roll.

Myth – A virgin shooter is good luck.

Fact – There is no such thing. No person or event can cause good or bad luck. First time shooters are often remembered when they win for the table but are quickly forgotten when they lose.

These are just a few of the many gambling myths that have infiltrated this industry over time. As a responsible gambler, always learn the game basics. Forget the gambling myths and know the gambling facts to maintain a positive and winning attitude.


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