Biggest Casino Myths Revealed

Gambling myths have been borne of an extreme human need to win a game that’s filled with the hot air of chance.  People attempt to create the concrete through superstitions. Facts can refute myths; however, it is not the intellect that grabs hold of the myth, it is the emotional element of the gambler that buys into the superstition.

The Odds

Luck is but one of the multi-faceted characteristics of gaming; skill is another when the game of poker is involved. There is also the element of calculating the odds through mathematical probabilities. The casino has an innate advantage through those odds. That statistical advantage merges into the house percentage, which is absolute. The small percentage makes a huge difference, and enables casinos to enjoy mega profits at the end of the day.

The Fallacy of “Winning Systems”

A lot of players think that they have arrived at a consistently winning system. They are able to convince themselves that their method is solid gold. In fact, the emperor does not have new clothes, and all systems are nothing but hot air. Given the presence of mathematical odds in favor of casinos, the success of any method cannot possibly be sustained over the long term. 

In Blackjack, card counting and placing the cards are techniques that are close to unattainable. Generally, the best strategy is to find the odds and then play the game. 

Slot Myths

Slots cannot in any way be controlled by the player. Therefore many myths have flown about in the face of reality. One of the more widely-accepted myths has the casino monitoring the slots and determining the win or loss of the individual player. However, it is only the software programs that determine the play of the slots. Hidden cameras do not exist, and slots are devoid of human impact.

The software programs consist of generators of electronic numbers. Slot machines produce random numbers per the computer programs. The late 1800s saw the first slot machines roll into public use. The changes made to the machines over the years involve increased numbers of slots, reels, and number columns; but the overall operation of the slots has not been altered.

Since the inception of slot machines, players have thought up different strategies for winning. The most popular of these strategies involves an attempt to cut one’s losses. Thus, if the player continues to lose until a pre-established amount has been spent, then the player will stand up and move to another game or leave the casino. Another strategy is to shun casino meters, and play cards instead. Yet another strategy, in the realm of the useless, concerns big-headed players who brag that they can beat the odds.

Blackjack Voodoo

Skill is a very real element in blackjack. Some players have taken their skill to the next level, and profess that they have created a foolproof strategy. The mathematical probability of the odds makes this assertion obviously impossible. The casino definitely has an advantage, which is raised when the number of cards being played increases. Therefore, playing with only one deck of cards appears to make winning easier.  

The strategy of card counting requires the skill of a master player. It involves a time-consuming determination as to the hands held by opponents. 

Shuffle tracking is yet another strategy. This technique involves the idea that in shuffling the deck, a completely random assortment of cards will not occur. This belief results from the probability that some of the cards will fall through the cracks of the shuffle and remain in sequence. This strategy has proven to be undependable.  There is also a pure blackjack myth concerning the belief that the result of the game is impacted by the seating arrangement.

Lotteries

The worst odds in the gambling field can be found in lotteries. Yet lottery players commonly believe they can win, causing millions to purchase tickets. There is a myth as to lucky numbers, resulting in the use of birthdays and other significant dates. Some lottery players even go to the extreme of paying numerologists for their advice.

Horse Racing

An expensive and popular betting pastime is horse racing. The strategy most-used among racing betters is “handicapping”. The process of handicapping involves a careful study of each horse. That study includes the horse’s performance history, medical background and pedigree, among other factors. One of the myths revolving around horse racing is the wearing of beautiful hats, believed to be a precursor to good luck. Colorful hats are worn by women at the Kentucky Derby as good luck charms. This is an amusing and visually lovely myth.  

Desperate Strategy to be Avoided

Cheating is a panicked response to financial desperation. It should be avoided like the plague. One form of cheating is the use of loaded dice. Another form may include staining the cards. Some players use a specific type of ink for that purpose; others use juice. Tricky shuffles are still another form of cheating. All players should beware the cheater.

Myths Surrounding the Games

There is a myth concerning the mistaken idea that casinos compensate winning players with free meals, rooms and other comps. This myth extends to the erroneous belief that the compensated players are the best players at the casino. In reality, casinos compensate gamblers on the basis of their ability to gamble away large sums. The actual win or loss of the player has no bearing on the comps provided. The plan behind the casino’s giveaway of meals and rooms is to make the wealthy gambler feel welcome and happy for the sake of future business from that moneyed player. This goes for players who play roulette, play craps, play blackjack and other games.

Gambling and religion have a contentious, ancient relationship. Some believe that the age-old gambling industry is contrary to their religious concepts; while others believe that good luck comes from gambling on the festivals. Cards and dice have even been used as instruments of attempted future prediction. There is no real connection between gambling and religion; and they will most likely be at opposite ends of the spectrum forever.

Some myths arise from actual occurrences, blown out of the water through time and rumor. Speculation may also be a factor in certain myths. When taken with a grain of salt, these myths are an entertaining part of gaming.