Dispelling Myths

Gambling is a process where we stake a certain amount of money or items on the outcome of an uncertain event that is determined by chance.

The two are crucial points, which are randomness and chance. Problem gambling can be fuelled by ideas that you can control these two points, and therefore influence gambling outcomes.

Do you have ideas about randomness and chance that influences the way you gamble? Answer the following questions to find out.

1. There are 'hot' or 'lucky' machines?

Fact:

Poker machines don't memorise previous play results. Each play is totally independent from the last outcome and each result is completely random. Machines are never ‘hot' or lucky.

2. Some machines are due to pay out?

Fact:

There is no pattern or set program to pay an amount at any one time. Payouts are completely random and no one can predict the outcome. No technique, no system or superstitious event will have any effect on random payouts. Machines are never ‘due' to payout.

3. Venues can manipulate the variation of payouts on a particular machine if it is 'hot'.

Fact:

Venues do not and cannot know when a machine is going to payout. Returns on a machine are set to a prescribed amount and are calculated over the life of the machine (3 – 4 years). Venues can change variations once a month within their limit and under strict conditions.

4. I've just have a run of bad luck, if I keep playing my luck must surely change?

Fact:

Patterns of winning and losing do come and go. However, these are patterns of short term random events, and are not predictors of winning or losing in the future. Getting short term random events mixed up with the law of averages is known as the ‘gambler's fallacy.' The more you play, the more the house edge costs you, and the less likely it is that you will win more than you will lose. A run of bad luck just means you are losing money.

5. If a machine pays out an amount then it won't pay for a while?

Fact:

With no memory and outcomes determined by pure randomness no one can predict the next game result. The fact that a machine has just paid does not influence when it will next generate another win.

6. When the screen shows a near miss there is a chance there is a big payout coming?

Fact:

The screen shows video pictures that appear in lines. The position symbols appear in have no bearing on the future outcome of the game. Payouts are completely random. There are no indicators of when a machine will pay.

7. I can win by following a system or by being a skilled gambler?

Fact:

All gambling is designed with different margins that give the venue or provider an edge. It is deliberately designed so that over time you will always lose. Of course, people may experience a big win early on but the reality is, you have more chance of being hit by lightening than winning a jackpot.

8. I've spent an hour putting money into a machine. I Should keep going or someone else will get my money?

Fact:

A poker machine is not a piggy bank. The more you play the more money it costs. Wins are paid randomly and has nothing to do with how long you have played or how much money you have put into the machine. Machines are programmed to give the venue or provider an edge. It is deliberately designed so that over time you will always lose.