From a pair of dice found in an Egyptian tomb dating back to 3000 BC to gambling in ancient Rome and 10th-century Chinese card games, gambling has long been entwined with myths and facts throughout history.
With the evolution of gambling, particularly with the advent of modern technology and online casinos, myths and far-fetched theories have become more widespread. The combination of luck and skill gives gambling an air of mystery, which forms the basis of many casino myths. Some are loosely based in reality, while others are entirely the product of an overactive imagination.
Many myths suggest that casinos are designed to cheat players, with some even offering supposed ‘tricks’ to fight back and increase your chances of winning. However, most of these myths completely ignore the fact that payout percentages are determined by the RNG (random number generator), which is strictly regulated and in many cases disclosed by the casino.
In this guide, we explore these superstitions and explain the difference between myths and facts about gambling. Our list includes some of the most common slot machine myths, as well as superstitions surrounding table games, dealers, players, and more.
Everything in the casino is rigged
This is one of the most famous casino myths, and while there is a grain of truth to it, it goes too far. Like any other business, casinos need to make money over the long term, and they do that through the ‘house edge.’ This ensures that over time, the casino makes more than it pays out to players. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t win or that the odds are rigged against you.
As one of thousands (or millions) of players, you are part of the casino’s revenue stream. Every casino game uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) that has been modelled billions of times over by the casino and game developers. This ensures an accurate payout percentage and guarantees that every player has an equal chance of winning.
Furthermore, the gaming systems (GSCs) are constantly being reviewed by regulatory bodies for both land-based and online casinos. So, leave the conspiracy theories aside and play responsibly – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s how the game works!
Card counting is illegal
Let’s get this straight: card counting is not illegal and you cannot go to jail for counting cards at a casino! Although casinos don’t want you to count cards because it gives you an advantage, it’s not against the law. If you get caught, you may be asked to leave and the casino will probably ban you from entering other venues. However, they cannot take any legal action against you for counting cards.
Interestingly, many casinos blur the lines between myth and fact to make players believe that it is illegal, but it is not!
If a slot machine hasn’t paid out in a while, you’re in for a big win
Slot machines have no emotions, so they don’t ‘know’ when they haven’t paid out in a long time. Slot machines use a Random Number Generator (RNG) that creates new combinations with each spin.
Each spin is a random event, and there is no guarantee that a spin will bring you any closer to a win, no matter how long it has been since the machine last paid out. So forget any feelings of regret or envy when someone else wins at a machine you just left. It’s not personal!
Casinos pump extra oxygen into the room to keep you energised
This myth is rife in Las Vegas casinos, with some adding even more bizarre theories about the addition of pheromones to encourage more ‘aggressive’ betting. While this sounds far-fetched, it is often used to explain why players feel energised even when they have run out of money. In reality, it’s probably just adrenaline!
There is no scientific evidence that supplemental oxygen can alter your gambling habits, and tampering with the air supply is illegal in both the US and the UK. Therefore, it would be risky for casinos to alter the air in any way.
Experienced roulette dealers can decide when to stop the wheel, avoiding big wins
The idea that casino staff secretly cheat to steal your winnings is another popular myth. While it is reasonable to assume that an experienced dealer could influence the outcome, there are too many random variables at play for this to be true.
The ball and wheel move in opposite directions, and the frets cause the ball to bounce unpredictably. It’s hard to imagine that a dealer could control these factors through training. Furthermore, the fines for a casino caught cheating would far exceed the potential gains. If you’re looking to experience the excitement of roulette without any risk, check out the Crusino no deposit bonus code, which lets you play for free and enjoy the thrill of the game firsthand.
You’re more likely to win at slot machines in a busy casino
This myth stems from the idea that a busy casino means more jackpots, prizes and wins – which is generally true because more games are being played. But your chances of winning remain the same whether you’re in a crowded casino or playing alone.
A better way to enjoy the best of both worlds is to play at online casinos. With thousands of players online at any one time, the jackpots can be even bigger than in land-based casinos, and you can play in peace and without distractions.
Online gambling leads to many underage gamblers
A common concern regarding online casinos is that minors can more easily gamble without supervision. However, online casinos enforce strict identity verification processes, document provision and constant account monitoring, making it extremely difficult for underage players to gamble.
No system is completely foolproof, but online casinos spend millions on age-verification technology, making underage gambling much less common than some media reports.
All casino games are pure luck
While luck plays a significant role, it is not entirely accurate to say that all casino games are pure luck. Games are generally categorised into ‘soft’ games (based primarily on luck) and ‘skill games’ (where players can influence the outcome using strategy).
For example, slots and bingo are ‘soft’ games where there is little a player can do to influence the outcome. However, games such as blackjack, where card counting is used, or poker, where strategy is key, are considered ‘skill games’. But luck still plays a big role in skill games too.
Other players influence the outcome of your game
Some players believe that others can influence the outcome of their own game. But as we have explained, all outcomes are random and independent and governed by the RNG. Your roulette spins, dice rolls or slot pulls are completely separate from those of other players.
If this myth still bothers you, try playing at an online casino. Here, your game session starts directly from your device, which means that your outcome depends only on your own actions.
The ‘emptiest’ slot machines are in the aisles
It is assumed that casinos place machines with lower payouts in the aisles to attract players. While slot machines have different payout percentages, there is no pattern that links payouts to a machine’s location. Other factors, such as volatility and jackpot frequency, play a much greater role.
If you play progressive slots, you could theoretically win huge sums, but the odds of hitting a jackpot are incredibly low. The location of the machine has no influence on your chances.
The spin button yields fewer prizes than pulling the slot machine lever
In land-based casinos, some believe that pulling the lever gives you a better chance of winning than pressing the spin button. This is superstition, as slot machines don’t ‘know’ whether you are pulling a lever or pressing a button. Your chances of winning are no different in either case.
If you are still sceptical, try an online game where there is no physical lever – problem solved!
You need to bet the highest or maximum amount to win
While some slot machines offer bigger prizes when you bet the maximum, the average RTP (return to player) is usually between 92% and 95%. You will only see a significant difference in rare, large wins, and you will have to play for much longer to increase your chances – which also increases your potential losses.
For progressive jackpots, higher stakes may improve your odds, but these theories are difficult to prove.
Online casinos are an illegal scam
While it’s important to be cautious when choosing an online casino, most reputable sites are legitimate and heavily regulated by local authorities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Licenced online casinos are regularly audited and must meet strict requirements for fairness, responsible gaming and customer protection to ensure they are trustworthy and not scammers.
Conclusion
Casino myths are often based on superstition rather than fact. In this article, we have debunked many of these myths and separated reality from fiction. While it is easy to believe in rigged games or dealer cheating, especially when luck is not on your side, it is important to remember that gambling is largely based on luck. Play within your means, follow responsible gambling practices and if your luck runs out, take a break until next time.