Bet-ya wanted to know that...
101 FAQs about online gambling
21 to 30
Myths
Do VLTs (Video Lotto Terminals - basically slot machines) run "hot" or "cold"?Once a spin is in play can you still influence the outcome?
If you keep playing, are you sure to win?
Can you win back your losses?
Isn't gambling a great way to make easy money?
If you haven't won for a while, aren't the odds that you're due for a win?
"I feel lucky today." "I'll wear my lucky hat." - am I bound to win?
Is there a control room somewhere where lottery or casino employees decide which VLT or slot machine is going to pay out and flick a switch to make it happen?
Don't you have to gamble everyday to be a problem gambler?
Isn't losing part of winning?
No - VLTs are programmed to generate winning combinations at random. Any spin before it - a winner or a loser - has absolutely no bearing on what will happen on the next spin.
Once a spin is in play can you still influence the outcome?
No - machines are programmed to spin at random and that spin is set in motion the minute you hit the button. Nothing you do after that has any effect on winning.
If you keep playing, are you sure to win?
No - VLT machines are designed to take in more money than they pay out. If you keep playing you are sure to lose your budgeted money and any winnings.
No - All gambling games are set up for the "house' to win. In the long run, that's what happens. Going after your losses (chasing) will put you into further debt.
Isn't gambling a great way to make easy money?
No - Gambling can be enjoyable entertainment, but if you play long enough, the odds are that you will lose.
If you haven't won for a while, aren't the odds that you're due for a win?
No - The odds of winning don't change. Here's an example. If you toss a coin the odds are that it will come up heads half the time and tails the other half. Now, suppose you have just tossed 9 heads in a row - what are the odds of the coin turning up tails on the next toss? Still 50-50. One side is heads, the other is tails and that doesn't change. Ever.
"I feel lucky today." "I'll wear my lucky hat." - am I bound to win?
Having hope doesn't lead to wins.
No - the machines are programmed to pay out at random. Each play is independent from the result of the other.
Don't you have to gamble everyday to be a problem gambler?
No - It doesn't matter how often you gamble, it is about how gambling is affecting your life. If you are having financial problems, problems at work, feeling guilty, ashamed or depressed or are fighting with family and friends because of gambling then it is a problem.
Some win, some lose, but loosing is not a path to winning. If one believes they need to lose first in order to win, it just isn’t so. A better tip is to know that when you’re losing, and walk away.
