25 Feb 2021
Given that one facet of betting is "leaving things to chance" you'd expect most casino regulars to have resigned themselves into placing their destiny in the hands of the gods.
However, there is no shortage of conspiracy theorists determined to prove that the home is covertly engaged in nefarious activities, designed to reduce or even extinguish the likelihood of a player payout. From slot machines that never triumph to Roulette wheels that stop if the trader selects, here are a few of the most common casino myths -- and the reason why they belong firmly in the fiction aisle.
1. If the Roulette Wheel has had a Streak of Red Wins, It Must be Time for a Black
It's easy to understand players that fall in the trap of thinking that this myth. Seeing the ball repeatedly land on the exact same color appears to counteract everything we understand about possibilities, given the even number of black and red slots on the wheel.
What you want to keep in mind is that those odds starts afresh with each and every spin of the Roulette wheel; every previous win has no mathematical influence on the probabilities for the second. While the spectators might feel that a shameful win is "due" the wheel spins on regardless and the ball will land in which it will.
2. If a Slot Machine Hasn't Paid Out in a Little While, a Major Win is Coming
Similar to the former myth, this one is clear but patently false. The slot machine isn't sentient -- it doesn't know it hasn't paid out in hours and feel obliged to execute. Slot Machines utilize random number generators, which make a brand-new combination with every spin.
On a positive note, that usually means you can brush off the guilt you feel when somebody wins using a machine you've simply given up on: each spin is a random, isolated event, so there's no guarantee that your pull on the lever or press the button would have generated the exact same effect.
3. Casinos Pump Extra Oxygen onto Floors to Prevent gamers from Feeling Tired and Heading Home
This one may seem like a few of the previous ideas of a prospective Bond villain, but it enjoys significant traction in the gambling world. The concept behind this myth is that more oxygen from the air makes you feel more alert and therefore more inclined to play .
But not only is tampering with air supplies illegal in both the US and UK, it would also have little grounding in scientific reality. There is no conclusive evidence that added oxygen can influence your gambling habits. Additional adding oxygen to the air supply would be considered a fire hazard; definitely contrary to a casino's greatest interests.
4. Skilled Roulette Dealers Can Pick When to Stop the Wheel, Immediately Preventing Big Payouts
There are too many random factors affecting the outcome of a Roulette wheel to allow the dealer to have any result. Together with the wheel and ball travel in opposite directions along with the frets supporting the ball to ricochet wildly, it's hard to envision the type of coaching that would permit a dealer to command all these components and deliver the ball to the desired slot every time.
There is also the simple fact that any system like this would be both illegal and open to abuse. The sheer randomness of several games preserves the odds in your house's favor, thus making it contrary to the casino's pursuits to introduce any predictability.
5. You Are More Likely to Win on Slots in a Busy Casino
Technically yes, there'll be jackpot payouts in a busy casino than in a quiet one, but only because there are more games being played. For example, your odds remain the same whether you are one of the only person on the ground.
6. Switching Chairs in Poker Can Improve Your Hand
There are a couple great reasons to switch your seat in poker, but sadly this is not one of them. The cards have been dealt randomly with the probabilities starting anew at every match, so the chances of getting the cards you need isn't influenced by chair arrangement.
But given that a lot of poker relies on a clinical assessment of your opponents, switching chairs can be a smart move if designed for the right reasons.
This way they have to act before you do, giving you a clear overview of how much it is going to cost you to stay in the game and putting you in prime place after that winning hands comes along.