Myths and Facts About Gambling
Many beliefs about gambling are based on myths or wrong ideas that can affect how players think and behave. Understanding how gambling works and recognising these myths can help people make more informed decisions and stay in control.
1. MYTH: You must gamble every day to be considered as having a gambling problem.
FACT: How often someone gambles is not the only sign of a problem. If gambling causes financial, emotional, family, work or social difficulties, there may be a problem, no matter how often the person gambles.
2. MYTH: If someone has money, then gambling is not a problem.
FACT: The effects of problematic gambling are not only financial. Gambling can negatively affect relationships, mental health, work and daily life, even when there are no obvious financial problems.
3. MYTH: If I keep gambling, my luck will change and I will win back what I lost.
FACT: Each gambling result is independent from the previous ones. The chances do not increase because someone has already lost or because they continue to gamble. Trying to win back losses can lead to even bigger losses.
4. MYTH: I almost won, so this means I will win soon.
FACT: An outcome that is close to winning does not increase the chances of winning next time. Each result remains random and independent.
5. MYTH: There are strategies or “right moves” that can affect the result.
FACT: Most casino games are based on random results. For example, in slot machines, the result is not affected by when or how a button is pressed.
6. MYTH: I feel that today is my lucky day.
FACT: Hope, instinct or the belief that someone “will win” does not affect the result. Luck cannot be predicted or controlled.
7. MYTH: If I know the game well, I can beat the casino.
FACT: Casino games are designed so that the casino has a mathematical advantage. In some games, skill may affect certain choices, but the casino advantage still exists.
8. MYTH: Lucky charms or “lucky habits” increase the chances of winning.
FACT: Objects, habits or rituals do not affect the outcome of gambling games, which remains random.
9. MYTH: If you keep winning, you will continue to win.
FACT: Each result is independent from the previous one. Winning several times in a row does not increase the chances of future success.
10. MYTH: Since I have already spent a lot of money, I must continue so it does not go to waste.
FACT: Money that has already been lost does not affect future results. Continuing to gamble in order to “win back” money can greatly increase losses.
11. MYTH: A person cannot become addicted to an activity like gambling.
FACT: Problematic gambling can lead to addiction, affecting an individual’s behaviour and daily life.
12. MYTH: There is no treatment for problematic gambling.
FACT: There are evidence-based treatments and support services that can help people regain control and reduce the negative effects.
13. MYTH: Gambling is a harmless way to deal with stress.
FACT: Excessive gambling can harm mental health, relationships, finances and overall quality of life.
14. MYTH: If you can find someone to pay off your gambling debts, you’ll have a clean slate and be on your way to recovery.
FACT: Financial support from others does not address the underlying causes of problematic gambling behaviour and may contribute to the continuation of gambling. As a result, it can negatively affect relationships, mental wellbeing, work performance and daily life, even when there are no obvious financial difficulties.
15. MYTH: A gambling problem only affects the person who gambles.
FACT: Problematic gambling can seriously affect family, friends and loved ones, causing financial pressure, conflict, stress and loss of trust.
16. MYTH: If you do not gamble, you will never win.
FACT: In gambling, the more someone plays, the greater the chance of losing money, time and control. The safest choice to avoid losses is not to gamble.