False Myths About The Casino Industry

Myth #1: To Keep You Alert, the House Floods Oxygen into the Casino

Since the first casino air conditioning units were installed by the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in 1946, this misconception has persisted among casual gamblers and veterans alike in the community.

The casino legend goes like this: A clever casino manager discovered that breathing pure oxygen (O2) improved alertness, according.

This manager kept his unsuspecting players awake longer than normal by rigging the AC unit to distribute a constant stream of O2 across the casino floor. While they were awake past their usual bedtime, these unwitting gamblers did what comes naturally in a casino-they gambled.

First off, this would cost literal millions of dollars to do, which would far outweigh what might be generated during this time on the casino floor. Pure oxygen is also highly dangerous in confined settings. One match or flick of the lighter, and BAM! Everyone would be incinerated instantaneously.

Myth #2: Casinos Let You Win Periodically So You Don't Walk Away

It is a common notion that casinos will let you win every now and then to keep you playing. This is also not true for the most part. The casino's edge is mathematically designed to ensure that over time, the casino will always come out ahead. That is why it is called the "house edge."

Sure, you might get lucky and win a few hands or even a jackpot, but ultimately, the casino will always have the edge. However, this does not mean someone is sitting behind a computer radioing to your dealer that they should let you win the next hand so you don't walk away from the table and go home.

Myth #3: You'll Eventually Win if You Play Long Enough

This fallacy is closely related to the previous one. It is based on the same logic, that eventually you have to win if you keep playing because the house edge can only work for so long before it evens out.

However, this ignores the fact that the house edge is a mathematical certainty. It doesn't matter how long you play-eventually, the house is going to come out ahead. And even if you do happen to win in the short term, the casino always has the edge in the long run. Sooner or later, you're going to lose all your money.

Myth #4: Card Counting Is Illegal

This is a common misconception, likely because casinos don't want you to know that card counting is perfectly legal.

Card counting is a technique used by blackjack players to gain an advantage over the casino. By keeping track of which cards have been dealt, card counters can assign a value to each remaining card in the deck.

This allows them to make better decisions about when to hit, stand, double down, or split. While it is not illegal, casinos don't like it when players use card counting techniques because it takes away from their bottom line.

As a result, card counters are often asked to leave the casino or barred from playing blackjack altogether. However, as long as you are not using any devices or outside assistance, card counting is perfectly legal.

Myth #5: Some Slot Machines Are Overdue For a Win

This is another myth that persists among both casual and experienced gamblers. The logic goes like this: Slot machines are programmed to pay out a certain percentage of the money that's put into them. Over time, the machine will "get due" for a win and will start paying out more frequently.

Therefore, if you see a slot machine that hasn't hit a jackpot in a while, it's probably "overdue" for a win and is more likely to pay out.

This myth is based on the false assumption that slot machines operate on some kind of cycle. In reality, slot machines are random number generators that are programmed to give the casino a long-term edge. Each spin is completely independent of the previous spin, so there's no such thing as a slot machine being "overdue" for a win.

Myth #6: Casinos Use Special Tricks To Keep You Playing

This is another myth with a grain of truth to it. Casinos do use special tricks to keep gamblers playing, but they're not the kind of underhanded tactics you might think.

For example, they might offer you free drinks or snacks to help you feel more welcome. They also use special lighting and sound effects to create a stimulating environment that is designed to keep people gambling.

However, these are all perfectly legal and above-board tactics. Casinos are businesses, after all, and they are trying to increase their profits. There is nothing wrong with that, and you shouldn't let it stop you from enjoying the casino experience. Just be aware of what they are doing and don't let it influence your gambling decisions.

Myth #7 Dealers Like Watching You Lose

This one is laughable, but it is still a myth that some people believe.

The logic goes like this: Dealers are paid based on how much money players lose. Therefore, they must be rooting for you to lose so they can make more money. This couldn't be further from the truth. Dealers are just regular people like you and me. They are not out to get you, and they don't want you to lose your money.

In fact, most dealers would prefer that you win because it makes the game more fun for everyone involved and makes you more likely to tip them. So, don't let this myth stop you from enjoying yourself at the casino.

Myth #8 Cheaters Get Beaten Up in The Backroom

This one is another Hollywood myth that is far from the truth.

In reality, casinos have a very strict policy when it comes to cheating. They don't tolerate it, and they will take whatever measures necessary to prevent it. However, that doesn't mean they're going to beat you up or haul you into the backroom. That would be bad for business and would only serve to attract negative attention.

If you are caught cheating, the casino will simply eject you from the premises and ban you from returning. So, don't think you can get away with cheating just because it's not as dramatic as it is in the movies.