Four Widespread Gambling Myths among Casino Players—Uncovering the Truth
Gambling has been around for decades, and throughout that time, it has formed part of our culture. Whether it be a land-based casino or the more modern online version, people have found a haven in this entertaining pastime. There’s been a noted increase in the number of online gamblers due to the COVID restrictions and safety measures. Many are looking to have some innocent fun, while others aim to earn big money and hit the jackpot. However, there is a third group of people hesitant to dip their toes into the casino water as they’re held back by the widespread prejudice that exists nowadays.
No matter how much casinos try to debunk the popular myths surrounding it, these fictional stories still remain at the heart of the industry. The stereotypes refer not only to gambling itself but also the games such as cards and slots. For a newbie, these myths can be intimidating and make them believe that casinos aren’t as fair as they claim to be. So, if you’re thinking about trying your hand in poker, stay tuned as we debunk some of the most common casino myths.
Card counting can earn you jail time
You’ve probably seen a movie or two where a group of young and rebellious students decides to trick the system and use the card counting technique to score a big win. However, they’re aware that this nasty trick can end with them doing jail time, so they practise until perfect. Good news—you won’t have to sit behind bars if you count cards in a casino. In fact, no law directly addresses the issue, meaning you won’t be doing anything illegal.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t refer to situations when you use external card-counting devices. That can get you banned from a casino for life as it’s considered an unfair practice. Some casinos could deny you entrance if they notice that you’re counting cards even without a device, but you won’t end up in jail for it.
You need to be born under a lucky star
There’s an ongoing misconception that your skills and knowledge can’t help you win. The only factor that decides the game’s outcome is Lady Luck. Although luck is a crucial factor, it is not the only factor that impacts the game. Several casino games require professional skills. For instance, you can’t magically win at poker or blackjack unless you know the rules and can trick your opponent with your bluff.
The myth originated from novice players who failed to win due to the lack of knowledge and understanding of other players’ behavior. But casino games, just like any other trivia or board game, demand the player to master certain skills before they can come out as winners.
It’s all a scheme to take your money
One of the most common preconceptions is that casinos rig the games to their favor, thus hindering the players’ attempts to earn some much-needed dollar bills. It’s important to point out that this is no more than a widespread rumor. Naturally, casinos don’t like to see you win, and they’d prefer it if all the money could be left right there where it belongs—at the casino. However, rigging the games to the house’s favor is illegal, and no legit casino would ever stoop to such an action. The games that most often fall under this myth are slot machines. Many players are convinced that hitting the jackpot on a slot machine is mission impossible. Sure, slots are unpredictable, but if you research the odds of winning on a slot machine, you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect.
A losing streak means a win is round the corner
A flawed mentality has given rise to this superstition that the more you lose, the closer you are to winning. Sounds hard to believe, right? The myth has caused many players to lose more money than initially planned because they thought the tables would turn all of a sudden.
However, if you notice that the odds aren’t in your favor today, it means it’s time to call it quits. There’s no point going over the budget if you see it’s not paying off. Maybe it’s time to change the game or to walk out and come back another day.
Key takeaways
As you can see, behind each casino legend, there is a logical and reasonable explanation. The casinos aren’t out to get you and make you go bankrupt. Quite the opposite, they want you to keep coming back. Casinos value nothing more than a loyal customer. The best advice you can get is to avoid the rumors and see the truth for yourself.
Photo by Jarosław Kwoczała on Unsplash