Popular Myths About Casinos and Gambling – Explained
Gambling has been around for thousands of years, so too have the various myths and legends of gambling and casinos. Many people have superstitions relating to luck, such as having a lucky pair of socks or avoiding the number thirteen. These are mostly based on myth and confirmation bias, but they’re fun and harmless beliefs in most cases.
There are also plenty of myths about how casinos work and the best ways to play. Some of these are fairly harmless, while others are very misleading. If you want to have the best time at the casino, you must be able to tell fact from fiction. We’ve found some of the most common casino myths and debunked them for you. The next time you play will hopefully be your lucky day!
Myth #1 – Most Casinos Are Rigged
This is a common myth that a lot of players have about casino games and casinos in general. While it’s true that all casinos have a “house edge” that gives them an advantage, the outcome of each game is still random. This means it can’t be influenced by the dealer or the casino.
Online and land-based casinos must be licensed and audited regularly. That is to ensure all games are fair and that the RNG works properly. If you’re playing at an online casino, make sure it’s licensed in your state. Some players may choose to play at offshore casinos, but these aren’t always fair and safe to play at.
Myth #2 – Card Counting is Illegal
Perhaps the most popular myth of them all. Card counting is a technique used primarily by Blackjack players to lower the house edge. By keeping track of the cards played, they can work out the probabilities. This way, they can make better decisions and improve their chances of winning.
Even if not illegal, card counting is frowned upon in casinos. Most places have even come up with ways to make it much more difficult, such as using multiple decks. Card counting itself isn’t illegal, and while you may be kicked out of a casino, you can’t be arrested for it.
Myth #3 – Casino Games are All About Luck
A lot of casino games are based on luck, such as Roulette and slot machines. However, lots of other games involve a lot of skill as well. Games such as Blackjack, Casino Hold ‘Em, and Video Poker, for example, all require skill to play. While the rules are easy to learn, there’s a lot of strategy involved, and good players can significantly reduce the house advantage.
If you want to enjoy some games at the casino but don’t want to put your success in the hands of lady luck, playing some skill-based games is always an option.
Myth #4 – Betting Systems Can Help You Win
Loads of gamblers swear by betting systems such as the Martingale, d’Alembert, and Oscars grind. These systems all involve a structured approach to gambling. Betting increasing or decreasing increments depending on the outcome of the game. While these systems can be useful for keeping your bankroll in check, there’s no proof that they lead to more wins in the long-term.
Betting systems can also be incredibly risky. Especially in the case of the Martingale system, where players double their wager after each loss. These systems can quickly lead to big losses if you’re not careful, so proceed with caution.
Myth #5 – Number 13 And Bad Luck
Most people have a lucky number, but the number 13 seems to universally be considered unlucky. Players will often avoid placing any bets on 13 at the Roulette table. And some even avoid bets that include thirteen, such as the odd number bet.
While 13 may be considered unlucky, there’s no proof that it comes up any more often or less often than any other number. Chalk this one up to confirmation bias, and although it doesn’t really affect how you play too much, there’s no need to avoid the number 13 unless you really want to.
Myth #6 – Hot and Cold Machines
Slot machines and online slots are a mainstay of any casino. With modern games featuring lots of exciting features and high winning potential. Some of the biggest wins in the casino come by way of the slot machine. And while these machines are highly popular, there are lots of myths surrounding them.
One of the persistent myths about slot machines is that they can be hot or cold. In other words, some players believe that some machines have hot streaks with lots of wins, while others can have long periods without any wins. While it’s true that these streaks can happen, all slot machines are based on random number generation. Meaning that there are no preprogrammed streaks.
What is Confirmation Bias?
Confirmation bias is where we interpret or recall information in a way that is more likely to support our prior beliefs. As an example, let’s say you’re told that the number thirteen is unlucky. If you believe that this number brings you bad luck, you’re far more likely to notice and remember if it appears during a bad run at the Roulette table.
Most of our superstitions are based on old myths and confirmation bias, and while they can sometimes be fun, they can also negatively impact your success when gambling.
What is Gambler’s Fallacy?
Gambler’s fallacy refers to the belief that you can be “due a win”. Some gamblers hold onto the idea that if they haven’t won for a while, it means there’s a higher chance of an upcoming win. Likewise, they may also believe that if they’ve won a lot recently, they’re less likely to win the next time.
The fallacy relies on the incorrect idea that game outcomes are linked. For example, if you flip a coin, you have a 50/50 chance of the coin landing on heads each time. If the coin lands on tails the first time, the chance of it landing on heads the next time hasn’t changed. It’s still at 50/50. The same is true for casino games, and it’s important to be aware of the correct chances when gambling.
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