Playing online casino games is an increasingly popular form of entertainment that can be as fun as it is lucrative. Separating fact from fiction in the gambling world, however, can be tricky for new players. That’s why it’s a good idea to start out with some insightful gaming tips!
There are so many misconceptions when it comes to online casinos, how they operate, and what players should look out for. For example, many might think that it’s impossible to find a good bonus without wagering requirements.
While it’s true that they are quite uncommon, this does not mean they don’t exist. We acknowledge the fact that some myths are very well masked as (almost) convincing truths. Luckily, we’re here to filter them out and debunk them!
Myth 1: The Machines are Rigged
It can definitely feel like the machines are rigged sometimes, but as long as you’re playing at a reputable, licensed, and regulated casino, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Nowadays, all casino games are actually all digital — programmed entirely with mathematical algorithms. It’s in the casino industry’s best interest to keep its numbers as transparent as possible. The entire system runs on trust, and if players stopped believing that there’s a fair chance at winning, they’ll simply stop playing.
Of course, there are multiple independent agencies that audit and ensure that all legally functioning casinos use and report accurate data, especially win it comes to win rates.
RTP (Return to Player)
This is where the RTP (return to player) percentage comes from. If you look at slot manufacturers, they’ll provide an RTP percentage. This is the number that the RNG (random number generator) in the algorithm shoots for. It’s taken from statistics and like all statistics, there can be outliers.
If a machine has a 96% RTP, then over a long enough period of time, the machine’s RNG should pay out about 96% of what’s put into it.
Myth 2: Due for a Win!
We’ve all seen the FRIENDS episode. The “lurkers” lying in wait, ready to pounce on your machine that’s “due” for a big win. This myth revolves around the idea that slot machines will inevitably win big after a continual series of losses.
If you understand the mechanics and programming behind casino games, you’ll know that the casino industry goes to great lengths to ensure that the win/loss ratio is due to random number generators and not arbitrary numbers.
This Goes Both Ways
Just as you can’t assume that a slot machine is “due” for a win, you also shouldn’t assume that once a machine cashes out a jackpot, it should be avoided. It’s human nature to try to make sense of randomness and see patterns in the world.
Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach for casino games. When playing a game that uses random number generation, you have to treat each spin as completely independent from the last — with past spins having no bearing on the next.
Myth 3: Roulette Dealers can Control the Ball
This is actually only done in spy movies and old-timey westerns. With enough training, there’s a fraction of a chance that a dealer could possibly affect the outcome of a roulette wheel spin. With the wheel turning in one direction and the ball bouncing in the other, there is so much randomness wrapped up in a roulette spin. It’s hard to imagine the possibility of controlling the result.
Even if it was possible, casinos would face steep penalties if it was discovered that their dealers were cheating — not to mention losing business and reputation. Random chance actually works in the house’s favor, so they likely won’t want to mess with what works.
Myth 4: Slot Handle vs. Spin Button
There’s a lot of superstition, especially when it comes to gambling. Ever since slot machines shifted from mechanical to digital, the myth has persisted that pulling the slot handle is luckier than simply hitting the spin button on the machine.
This is, of course, just superstition. Likely, one of the reasons it’s persisted is because pulling the handle takes longer and it feels like you’re actually interacting with the machine. Hitting the spin button does the exact same thing as pulling the handle, but you’ll go through games slower by pulling the handle — giving the illusion of longer play.
Online Casino Myths: BUSTED!
Most myths revolve around superstition or the idea that casinos are trying to scam their players. Although the odds are highly stacked in the house’s favor, none of the typical casino games that you play are actually “rigged” against players. It’s actually just math and statistics.
Understanding the underlying factors and how the machines and odds actually work may help you make more informed decisions and bets. That doesn’t mean you can’t still keep a lucky charm or two on your while at the casino. It can’t hurt.