Myths and facts
Separating fact from fiction.
Good luck charms, "hot" machines, lucky numbers - it seems like for as long as people have been playing games of chance, there have been myths to go along with it.
Can you distinguish myth from facts?
Strategies or clever calculations don’t bring you luck or increase your odds of winning. One thing for sure, they certainly create and reinforce the illusion of control. In this section popular misconceptions are debunked to help players separate fact from fiction:
Start the test
1/7
I've been playing one “PLAY” game all evening and it hasn't paid out yet. It must be due for a win.
Myth
Fact
Fact: All machines are programmed to pay out at random. Each spin is random and unaffected by prior results.
Τhis is a myth. All machines are programmed to pay out at random. Each spin is random and unaffected by prior results.
2/7
I'm trying to decide on a strategy for picking numbers to bet on KΙNO. I know the last rounds of winning numbers. I plan to avoid them since they won't win again for a long time.
Myth
Fact
Fact: The odds remain the same no matter what numbers have come up in the past. With each round every number has equal chance of winning.
Τhis is a myth. The odds remain the same no matter what numbers have come up in the past. With each round every number has equal chance of winning.
3/7
No one can predict the outcome of any game of chance.
Myth
Fact
This is a fact. The law of odds applies to most games of chance, which means that each draw and each play is independent of the previous and subsequent ones.
This is a fact. The law of odds applies to most games of chance, which means that each draw and each play is independent of the previous and subsequent ones.
4/7
I can’t stop playing now. My luck is about to change, and I’ll win back the money I’ve lost.
Myth
Fact
Fact: In games of chance outcomes are randomly determined. In PLAY games a computer chip generates thousands of combinations per second, whether or not someone is playing on the machine. The chip guarantees that the outcome is the result of chance.
Τhis is a myth. In games of chance outcomes are randomly determined. In PLAY games a computer chip generates thousands of combinations per second, whether or not someone is playing on the machine. The chip guarantees that the outcome is the result of chance.
5/7
The outcome of the game is random and is based on luck.
Myth
Fact
This is a fact. Lucky charms and rituals may be fun and help you enjoy the game more, but they do not increase your chances of winning.
Τhis is a fact. Lucky charms and rituals may be fun and help you enjoy the game more, but they do not increase your chances of winning.
6/7
In games of chance, the chances of winning are the same for long and first time players.
Myth
Fact
This is a fact. While skill and knowledge can play a role in some games, such as sports and horse betting, the element of luck cannot be controlled.
Τhis is a fact. While skill and knowledge can play a role in some games, such as sports and horse betting, the element of luck cannot be controlled.
7/7
If the overall odds of winning on Scratch are 1 in 4, and I buy four tickets, I should be guaranteed a win.
Myth
Fact
Fact: 1 in 4 are the overall odds. So you could buy 4 tickets and win on all 4, or win on none or win on two. It is important to remember that each ticket has the same chance of being a winner or a loser.
Τhis is a myth. 1 in 4 are the overall odds. So you could buy 4 tickets and win on all 4, or win on none or win on two. It is important to remember that each ticket has the same chance of being a winner or a loser.
Thank you for taking the test.
For people experiencing excessive gambling problems
Help line
1114
For people experiencing excessive gambling problems
Help line
1114
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