Myths and Reality
Myths vs Reality About Gambling
Myth #1
“If I keep playing, I will eventually win and recover my losses."
Fact
The odds are generally not in the player's favour. The longer you continue gambling, the more likely you are to lose money over time. Attempting to recover losses by continuing to gamble, often known as "chasing losses", frequently results in even greater financial losses.
Myth #2
"A person can only develop a gambling problem if they gamble every day."
Fact
Problem gambling is not determined by how often a person gambles but by the impact gambling has on their life. Gambling can become problematic whether it occurs frequently or only occasionally if it affects personal relationships, work, finances, or wellbeing.
Myth #3
"If there are no financial problems, there is no gambling problem."
Fact
Gambling-related harm is not limited to financial losses. It can also affect mental health, family life, social relationships, physical wellbeing, and professional responsibilities.
Myth #4
"Knowing the rules of a game increases my chances of winning."
Fact
Understanding the rules helps you play correctly, but it does not eliminate the role of chance. In games of chance, the outcome remains uncertain regardless of your level of knowledge.
Myth #5
"Because I am an experienced poker player, I can control the outcome."
Fact
Skill and experience may influence performance in games that involve an element of skill, such as poker. However, players cannot control the cards dealt or the actions of other participants, and chance remains an important factor.
Myth #6
"Lucky charms improve my chances of winning."
Fact
Lucky charms, rituals, and superstitions have no effect on gambling outcomes. Results are determined by chance and remain unpredictable.
Myth #7
“I can influence the outcome by concentrating hard or thinking positively."
Fact
No amount of concentration, positive thinking, or personal belief can influence the outcome of a game of chance.
Myth #8
"If I am lucky in life, I will also be lucky when gambling."
Fact
Personal luck or good fortune in other aspects of life has no influence on gambling outcomes, which are determined by chance.
Myth #9
"If a coin lands on heads ten times in a row, tails is more likely on the eleventh flip."
Fact
Each coin toss is an independent event. The probability remains the same every time: 50% for heads and 50% for tails.
Myth #10
"If I buy four lottery tickets in a game with four winning prizes, I am guaranteed to win."
Fact
Buying more tickets may increase your chances of winning, but it does not guarantee a prize. Every ticket remains subject to the game's odds and draw outcome.
Remember: Every lottery ticket has its own independent chance of winning or losing.
Myth #11
"If I always play the same Lotto numbers, I will eventually win."
Fact
Playing the same numbers may be a personal preference, but it does not improve your chances of winning. Every valid number combination has exactly the same probability of being drawn.
Myth #12
"Gaming machines pay out more at certain times of the day."
Fact
Gaming machines operate using random outcomes. The result of each game is independent and is not affected by the time of day.
Myth #13
"I can guarantee a win if I use the right strategy."
Fact
Some gambling activities may involve strategic decisions, but no strategy can guarantee success. Chance remains a determining factor in the outcome.
Myth #14
"I've lost a lot today, so a win must be coming soon."
Fact
Past losses do not increase the likelihood of future wins. Every game is a separate event, and previous outcomes do not influence upcoming ones.
Myth #15
“If I study previous results, I can predict future outcomes.”
Fact
Past results do not determine future results. In games of chance, each outcome is independent unless otherwise stated in the game rules.
Myth #16
"Changing the amount I bet will improve my chances of winning."
Fact
Altering the size of a bet does not affect the underlying odds of the game. There is no betting strategy that can change the probability of a random outcome.
Myth #17
“Some slot machines are luckier
than others."
Fact
Gaming machines are programmed to produce random outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements. No machine is inherently "luckier" than another.
Stay in Control
Use Player Protection Tools
Take advantage of the responsible gambling tools offered by licensed operators, including:
- Deposit limits
- Loss limits
- Participation or session time limits
- Reality checks and activity reminders
- Self-exclusion options
These tools can help you manage your gambling activity and maintain control.
Seek Support When Needed
Consider seeking professional support if:
- You find it difficult to control or reduce your gambling.
- Gambling is affecting your personal, family, social, or professional life.
- You are experiencing financial difficulties related to gambling.
- Family members or friends have expressed concerns about your gambling behaviour.
Early intervention can make a significant difference. Seeking help is a positive step towards regaining control and protecting your wellbeing.