Debunking Casino and Gambling Myths
Gambling is fun, but let's not have any illusions. Wipe the slot dust over your eyes and know some facts about gambling. The following are some common gambling myths and the truth behind them.
Gambling Myth - Progressive jackpot slots are designed to occur on weekends.
No. Jackpots, whether progressive or fixed, occur ALL the time. Even when the slot machine is not in play. The computer chip in the slots can generate thousands of combinations every second and a jackpot can be made anytime. When someone presses the spin or start button at the exact millisecond that the jackpot is dealt, that person is said to hit the jackpot. And because more people play on weekends, the slots spin more often and the chances of someone hitting the jackpot just when it's dealt are higher.
Gambling Myth - New slot machines are looser than average to draw new customers.
Not necessarily. A new slot machine may attract enough players to not need a jackpot. This is if it has enough bells and whistles or has a popular topic for a theme. If you're the casino, why invest more in a slot machine if it's already paying? It would be better to make slots loose when they are less popular.
Gambling Myth - it is unlawful to count cards.
That's what the casinos want you to think. It is not illegal to count cards. However that does not mean casinos hate it any less. You can and will be removed from the house if you are suspected of card counting. It is their right since casinos are private property. If for some reason (like in Atlantic City) they cannot bar you, they will make play so difficult for you that it's better not to go there at all.
Gambling Myth - The machine/game has been cold for so long. I'm due for a win.
This is perhaps the most widely spread gambling myth. The odds for each hand, game, roll or spin is the same each time. Previous results have absolutely no influence on future ones. You can see the red win 15 times in a row in roulette and the chances of it showing up again do not decrease.
Gambling Myth - Advantage gamblers make a lot of money.
Not really. If you think that popular advantage games like blackjack and video poker will pave the way for riches, you are wrong. These folks make only up to $50,000 if they are really great, and that's playing full time. Not exactly the road to riches. In fact, they are one of the harder ways to make money in the world.
Gambling Myth - Casinos can't be beaten since they always win in the long term.
False. First of all, how many people play long term? Not many. If you play for short periods and quit while you are in the lead, you have beaten the house.
Second, casinos can be beaten in the long run - with perfect strategy in specific games.