Many people hold misleading beliefs or myths about gambling, thinking that they have a lucky number or ritual which can impact the outcome of their play.
However, these myths can be harmful and impact how safely you manage your play.
It's important to have a realistic understanding of how gambling works.
Below are some examples of commonly held gambling myths.
MYTH
REALITY
“I was really close in that round, I must be due a win soon.”
Getting close to winning doesn’t mean a win is about to happen.
Previous results have no effect on future gambling outcomes.
“I can feel my luck changing, if I keep gambling I'm bound to win back my losses.”
Every bet is independent of the last one.
The chances of winning on your tenth bet are no better than they were on your first.
Over time, the more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose money.
“If I bet on every outcome, I am bound to make big wins."
Every bet carries risk, so there is no guaranteed way to win.
Gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
“I have a special strategy that helps me win, and pressing the stop button on a slot machine at the right time can make sure you get the right result"
Most games of chance are completely random.
Having a strategy or timing a slot machine’s stop button does not improve your chances of winning.
Whether you win playing slot machines is based solely on the randomly drawn numbers generated by the machine’s computer.
Those numbers determine the game’s outcome before the reels stop.
Pressing the stop button will not influence the result, it may just allow you to learn it quicker.
“All sites are the same, it doesn’t matter if they are licensed.”
Not all betting apps and websites operate the same way.
Some are licensed and include responsible gambling features, while others may not.
If you live in Ontario, choose a licensed iGaming Ontario (iGO) site or app and check the iGaming Ontario website for a list of approved operators.
“I have a good feeling today, I just know I am going to win.”
Feeling lucky, hoping to win, or believing you need a win does not affect the outcome of a game of chance.
“If I play more than one slot machine or more than one poker game at a time, I’ll increase my chances of winning.”
Playing multiple slot machines or poker games at once may lead to more frequent wins, but it also means spending more money.
Over time, the more you gamble, the more you are likely to lose.
“I have a budget I play with, so I know my gambling is safe.”
Setting and sticking to a budget is an important part of safer gambling.
However, if gambling is affecting other areas of your life, such as your relationships or personal responsibilities, it may be a sign that you need support.
If you would like to find out more about our responsible gambling tools, or find details of support organisations, you can find out responsible gambling page here.