If you know anything about online gambling, you’ll know there’s a serious amount of BS floating about the place. Everyone likes to think they know a thing or two about gambling, but often turn out to be so far off the mark it’s quite incredible.
So today, we thought we’d take a look at another list of completely OTT gambling myths and the respective truths behind them.
Next time any of the following come up in conversation, feel free to correct the respective individual accordingly:
Myth #1: Online gambling is risky.
Once perhaps, but not anymore. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for shady and generally dodgy online casinos to get away with providing substandard service. Not all casinos are equally outstanding, but to call online gambling ‘risky’ is to do the whole industry a disservice. Just as long as you do your homework and choose a reputable casino brand, you really are perfectly safe.
Myth #2: Online gambling encourages underage gambling.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s literally zero evidence to suggest that online gambling has any impact whatsoever on underage gambling rates. Any online casino worthy of being in business will implement the strictest policies to ensure that those under the age of 18 (or 21 in some jurisdictions) are barred access to what’s on offer. But even if these restrictions weren’t in place, it’s comparatively rare for teens and kids of younger ages to attempt to gamble online. Think about it – how would a 14-year-old realistically open an account and successfully deposit money therein?
Myth #3: Click your mouse, lose your house.
This is a pretty hilarious myth, one that suggests it’s possible to lose everything you own with the click of a mouse. Suffice to say, anyone with a modicum of common sense will tell you immediately that this isn’t the case. To a much greater extent than real life casinos, online casinos impose extremely strict limitations as to how much you can bet and therefore how much you can lose in one go. What’s more, the better casinos also proactively watch for signs of potentially risky behaviour and intervene where necessary.
Myth #4: Online casinos rarely pay out.
The actual odds of winning at an online casino are exactly the same as those of winning at a real-life casino. Literally, no difference between the two whatsoever. If your odds of winning at a traditional casino are 50/50, the same 50/50 applies online. What’s more, it’s rare to come across an online slot these days with an RTP rate of less than 90%. Quite the opposite of the assumption, most casinos pay out the vast majority of the money they collect from players.
Myth #5: Online casino games are rigged.
These days, it is fundamentally impossible for online casinos to get away with rigging their games. Or at least, in the case of decent online casinos that are regularly audited and tested for fairness. If online casino games were rigged, the casinos in question would be reported, fined and stripped of their licences. Rigging games is tantamount to fraud and theft – not the kinds of things that go unnoticed or unpunished in this day and age.
Myth #6: Bigger bonuses are better bonuses.
In reality, it’s usually the exact opposite. Online casinos only ever hand out massive bonuses for their own benefit. Being promised a £5,000 is all well and good, but with 50X wagering requirements you’d have to put £250,000 on the line to access a penny of it. By contrast, a £10 bonus with 2X wagering requirements is a different story entirely. While there are extremely rare exceptions to the rule, it’s usually a case of the bigger the bonus, the lower its value in the real world.
Myth #7: Online casino put your personal data at risk.
Most casinos these days take safety and security extremely seriously. Given the potential consequences associated with data theft and general security breaches, they simply cannot afford to take chances. So they don’t. That said, do business with a dodgy underground casino run by a group of cowboy developers and you could be taking a serious risk with your personal information. When conducting affairs online in general, personal data safety and security comes largely down to your actions and your actions alone.
Myth #8: Online casinos cause gambling addiction.
Research suggests that individuals who develop gambling addictions are in no way more or less likely to develop such addictions as a result of online gambling. After all, it’s not as if the web presents the only available option for those looking to gamble. Just because online gambling is quick and convenient to access doesn’t mean it has any impact whatsoever on gambling addiction rates. Not only this, but the vast majority of quality online casinos support and promote responsible gambling at all times.
Myth #9: Online gambling is a poor imitation.
Admittedly, there’s nothing quite like the excitement and atmosphere of a packed casino floor. But at the same time, it isn’t always convenient or even possible to attend a casino. While it’s true to say online gambling doesn’t quite recreate the real-life experience, to call it a ‘poor’ imitation would be unfair. For the time being at least, it’s the best alternative option out there and is becoming increasingly sophisticated all the time.
Myth #10: The house always wins.
Last but not least, this is actually 50% myth and 50% truth. If the house always won, nobody would ever walk away with a prize in their pocket. Nevertheless, play at any casino for long enough and you are statistically guaranteed to lose. Technically speaking therefore, the house always wins, but this doesn’t mean winning is impossible. Instead, it’s a case of knowing where to draw the line and when to walk away. If you find yourself on a lucky streak, the worst thing you can do is push it. You may be winning now, but given sufficient time, the house always wins!