Gambling Myths

“I was really close in that round, I must be due a win soon.”

• Getting close to winning doesn’t mean a win is about to happen.
• Previous results have no effect on future gambling outcomes.

“I can feel my luck changing, if I keep gambling I'm bound to win back my losses.”

• Every bet is independent of the last one.
• The chances of winning on your tenth bet are no better than they were on your first.
• Over time, the more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose money.

“If I bet on every outcome, I am bound to make big wins."

• Every bet carries risk, so there is no guaranteed way to win.
• Gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to make money.

“I have a special strategy that helps me win, and pressing the stop button on a slot machine at the right time can make sure you get the right result"

• Most games of chance are completely random.
• Having a strategy or timing a slot machine’s stop button does not improve your chances of winning.
• Whether you win playing slot machines is based solely on the randomly drawn numbers generated by the machine’s computer.
• Those numbers determine the game’s outcome before the reels stop.
• Pressing the stop button will not influence the result, it may just allow you to learn it quicker.

“All sites are the same, it doesn’t matter if they are licensed.”

• Not all betting apps and websites operate the same way.
• Some are licensed and include responsible gambling features, while others may not.
• If you live in Ontario, choose a licensed iGaming Ontario (iGO) site or app and check the iGaming Ontario website for a list of approved operators.

“I have a good feeling today, I just know I am going to win.”

• Feeling lucky, hoping to win, or believing you need a win does not affect the outcome of a game of chance.

“If I play more than one slot machine or more than one poker game at a time, I’ll increase my chances of winning.”

• Playing multiple slot machines or poker games at once may lead to more frequent wins, but it also means spending more money.
• Over time, the more you gamble, the more you are likely to lose.

“I have a budget I play with, so I know my gambling is safe.”

• Setting and sticking to a budget is an important part of safer gambling.
• However, if gambling is affecting other areas of your life, such as your relationships or personal responsibilities, it may be a sign that you need support.