Problem Gambling
There are so many myths about gambling that it's hard to know what's true and what isn't. This section tackles the myths head on. If you find yourself questioning some of them, please remember that these have been meticulously researched and are proven.
Hear real-life stories from recovered problem gamblers:
Fiction: VLTs run "hot" or "cold".
Fact: 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.Fiction: Once a spin is in play, you can still influence the outcome.
Fact: Again, 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.Fiction: If you keep playing, you're sure to win.
Fact: 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.Fiction: You can win back your losses.
Fact: 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.Fiction: Gambling is a great way to make easy money.
Fact: Gambling can be enjoyable entertainment, but if you play long enough, the odds are that you will lose. That's as mathematically certain as 2+2=4.Fiction: If you haven't won for a while, the odds are that you're due for a win.
Fact: 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.Fiction: "I feel lucky today." "I'm due for a win." "I'll wear my lucky shoes."
Fact: All statements that we may tell ourselves when we decide to gamble, but as about as likely to help you win as standing on your head under the light of a full moon, every third Thursday. Having hope doesn't lead to wins.Fiction: There's 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.
Fact: Okay, it may seem like that sometimes, but the truth is the machines are programmed to pay out at random. Each play is independent from the result of the other.Fiction: You have to gamble everyday to be a problem gambler.
Fact: It doesn't matter how often you gamble, it is about how gambling is effecting 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.