It has been said that ballplayers and bettors are the most superstitious individuals you will ever encounter. It might be true.
In modern times, you have more ways to place a bet than ever existed previously. For example, in Ireland, AU, UK, or Canada, you can try online slots at ninecasino.com; once you login to NineCasino with your unique Nine Casino login, you can get started.
Will you rub a magic feather or kiss your Troll doll before you spin the wheel? If so, you need to read this article.
Why Gambling Myths Exist
Old wive’s tales have endured throughout history, and this is the case in the gambling world as well. It’s possible that they remain prevalent because:
- There’s an inherent element of chance or risk when you bet
- A seemingly random occurrence can sink your chances of winning a wager
It’s not surprising to find that someone who’s willing to wager thousands of dollars on whether the Celtics can cover the spread will be sure they’ll lose if they made the bet during a thunderstorm.
The Top Theories Debunked
There are virtually an infinite number of wild ideas circulating about gaming establishments, but let’s look at some of the most enduring ones.
Myth #1: Casinos Are Rigged Against Players
The notion that casino-style establishments have an edge over players isn’t new. Frankly, if there was one concept on this list that had some element of truth to it, it would be this one. That’s because:
- Gamers often make bets that have very little chance of winning
- There are certain safeguards built into casino-style games that give the house a slight edge
For example, if you bet on black on a roulette wheel, you have less than a 50-50 chance because of double zero. That doesn’t necessarily mean the games are “rigged.” It just means the odds often favor the gaming entity slightly.
Myth #2: A Winning Streak Always Comes
This is patently false. The chance of you walking away from a bet a winner depends entirely on your betting strategy. If you keep making wagers that are highly doubtful to come to fruition, then you’re unlikely to get on a sudden hot streak.
Myth #3: Slot Machines Pay Out More at Certain Times
There is no empirical evidence of this. If you happen to see two people hit jackpots in the evening rather than in the morning, that’s purely coincidental. There’s technology to keep automated gaming machines fair, such as random number generators, to make sure everything is on the level.
Myth #4: You Can Identify a “Hot” or “Cold” Machine
Again, there’s nothing to suggest that any slot or video poker machine is “hot” or “cold.” Anyone who says otherwise is probably a conspiracy theorist.
Myth #5: It’s Illegal to Count Cards
In most instances, it’s not strictly illegal to count cards. It falls into a gray area. However, many gaming establishments:
- Will take note if you seem to be doing it
- Can ban you if you keep coming back and using this strategy
If you count cards often enough in a city like Reno or Las Vegas, you can get blackballed. Your image will get around and you’ll be politely asked to leave if you sit down at a blackjack table.
Myth #6: Online Gaming Spaces Are Less Fair Than Land-Based Ones
There might be a grain of truth to this one. Usually, digital gaming sites are subject to inspection by entities like:
- The Gambling Commission in the UK
- State governments in the US
They make sure that everything about a site or application is fair. However, if you find out that a website you’re considering using isn’t subject to regulation by these entities, then it’s probably best that you try a different one. Unregulated sites might actually be stacking the deck in their favor.
Luck vs. Strategy
In reality, you have the best chance at cashing in if you only make wagers that favor you instead of the entity with which you’re playing. For instance, say you’re making a bet at a local sportsbook.
If one team is very heavily favored over another, there’s probably a reason for that. Betting on the heavily favored team is therefore more likely to yield a win. However, any bet is still a risk. If you don’t have a taste for risk, it’s best if you don’t play at all.
What Believing a Tall Tale Does to Player Behavior
If you approach someone who’s deeply entrenched in the gaming ethos, they might say something to you like:
- Gray horses are much more likely to win races
- Baseball pitchers based on the West Coast are less prone to having a solid start if they’re forced to fly to an East Coast city
Some ideas you might hear are much more outlandish than this. If you’re intent on betting and increasing your bankroll, though, it’s best not to pay much attention to this sort of thing. The only exception would be if there was indisputable empirical evidence to back up such a theory.
How Gambling Establishments Use Mythology
It’s probably true that casino spaces don’t try to quash any kind of absurd rumor that they hear. Why would they? Gamers seem to be a naturally superstitious lot.
Some bartenders in Vegas will even tell you stories about crazy hunches leading to multimillion dollar payoffs for legendary poker or blackjack players. It’s best to take such concepts with a truckload of salt rather than just a grain.
Tips for a Smarter Experience
It’s undeniably helpful to read up on an app or site before you use it. You can visit spaces like TrustPilot.
Say you want to learn about NineCasino. A quick look at the message boards will reveal what real customers think about it. Then, you should be better prepared to pick one that’s going to result in a satisfactory experience.
What Expert Players Say About These Wild Ideas
If you talk to someone like the recently deceased, legendary poker player Doyle Brunson, he probably would have told you that luck doesn’t exist. You stand the best chance of having a positive outcome if you study the odds and try to use them to your advantage.
Will Technology Dispel Misconception?
Some people feel the rise of improved gaming technology will make crazy theories less prevalent. It seems unlikely, though. If someone believes in luck, it’s often challenging or even impossible to change their mind.
Knowledge is Your Best Weapon
Most responsible gamers would agree that you stand the best chance of winning if you study the odds and avoid making longshot plays.