Myth: Gambling is a good way to make money

Fact: Gambling should be understood as a form of entertainment

Gambling involves risking money on an event, or game, where outcomes are uncertain.

Gambling should be an enjoyable leisure activity, but never seen as a way to make an income.

To find out more, see the information provided in Understanding the Odds.

 

Myth: Using special techniques/strategies will help you win the lottery

Fact: Outcomes in games of chance are random

Lotteries are games of chance where outcomes are determined at random.

No matter how you pick the numbers you may choose to play, you cannot influence the odds.

To find out more, see the information provided in Understanding the Odds.

 

Myth: A gaming machine can be "due" to pay out

Fact: Results of any spin on a gaming machine are random and unpredictable

It's a myth that after a series of losses or losing games a gaming machine (Poker Machine, "Pokie") will ‘compensate’ by producing a win - or that machines are more likely to pay-out at any particular time of day.

Outcomes on a gaming machine are determined by a type of software called a ‘Random Number Generator’ (RNG). 

An RNG is a “chance machine” that randomly selects numbers to determine results.

The gaming machine RNG operates randomly at all times, no matter what wins or losses have occurred in the past.

Click here to find out more about how gaming machines work on the website of the Gaming Technologies Association.

 

Myth: The longer you gamble on a machine the more likely you'll win a big prize 

Fact: Each spin on a gaming machine is independent of previous spins

On each spin of any gaming machine your chances of winning or losing remain the same - no matter the amount of time or money you've spent playing.

In fact, according to the rules of mathematical probability, the more you play, the less likely you are to win.

Click here to find out more about how gaming machines work on the website of the Gaming Technologies Association.

 

Myth:  "If I keep betting my luck will change, and I can win back the money I've lost."

Fact: Feeling that it's time you had a win, or even needing a win, will not change your odds of winning

Each time you place a bet the outcome is independent of the previous bet (and all the bets you may have made before).

The odds of a win do not change - whether you've won, or lost money in the past. 

Avoid chasing your losses and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

If you're worried about how much money you're spending on gambling, you can find more information under Seeking Help.

 

Click on these links to learn more:

Know Your Odds - Myths and Beliefs

Problem Gambling SA - Odds, Myths and Facts

Responsible Gambling Council - Common Myths about Gambling

 

Other Helpful Links and Resources:

Gaming Technologies Association - Responsible Gaming Machine Play

Gaming Technologies Association - Player Information Booklet