Casino games revolving around luck are fertile for creating myths, and online roulette wheels aren’t anomalies in this case. Roulette players have been manufacturing “tricks” and “bypasses” for roulette games for as long as they have been around, so now’s the time to put all that to a stop!
In this post, we’ll be exploring the common myths surrounding the roulette game while also teaching you how to filter through them before they can cause harm to your gameplay.
What is a Roulette Myth?
A roulette myth refers to a false belief or misconception about the game of roulette. These myths often circulate among roulette players and can create misunderstandings or false expectations about the game.
Some myths may be harmless and might simply be a result of superstition or misinformation, but that’s not the case for all of them. Others can lead to poor decision-making or strategies that are not based on sound logic or mathematical principles.
It’s important to recognise and understand these myths to not only understand roulette better, but also to have the best roulette experience possible.
The Origins and Evolution of Roulette Myths
The roulette game originated in 18th-century France, and as many players started to play roulette, myths were born. These myths have been perpetuated and evolved over time, often influenced by cultural beliefs, personal experiences, and even popular culture.
One factor contributing to the popularity of roulette myths is the human tendency to seek patterns and meaning in random events. Roulette is a game of chance, and players naturally try to find ways to predict or control the outcome.
Do these myths have any basis whatsoever? No. As we’ll explain later, roulette is a random game that cannot be predicted, so there’s no point in believing in myths that claim otherwise.
Most Common Roulette Myths
Before diving further into these myths, be advised that no myth described here can offer you any way to ‘beat’ roulette. This is the case for every roulette weel and roulette table out there; it doesn’t matter whether you’re playing American roulette, French roulette or European roulette games.
1. A good strategy for betting will help you win more bets
This myth revolves around the belief that using a specific betting system can guarantee consistent wins or recover losses. Popular examples include the Martingale strategy, where players double their bets after each loss.
While these systems may provide short-term gains, they do not alter the fundamental odds of the game. Roulette is based on chance, and the house edge will always give the house an advantage over the long run.
With that said, placing even-money bets on Outside bets such as Red or Black, Odd or Even, etc, can stretch your bankroll considerably, seeing as your probability of winning is substantial.
2. Knowing the hot and cold numbers will win you roulette games
This myth suggests that certain numbers are more likely to appear because they have been “hot” or haven’t appeared in a while, making them “cold.” It’s important to understand that hot numbers are simply coincidental since there is no logical reason why a number be the winning number more often than the rest.
Each spin of the roulette wheel is independent, and past outcomes have no bearing on future spins. Every number on the wheel has an equal probability of appearing on each spin.
Do yourself a favour and abandon the notion of hot and cold numbers! The numbers you may think will win can be the losers from one round to another and the results could be completely unexpected. That’s the nature of roulette!
3. Exploit a biased roulette wheel
Some players believe that certain roulette wheels are biased, leading to specific numbers or sections being more likely to hit. While it is theoretically possible for a wheel to have a bias due to mechanical flaws or wear, online gambling operators take extensive measures to ensure the fairness of their casino games.
Roulette wheels undergo regular maintenance and inspections to prevent biases, so finding a biased wheel will be an arduous task on its own.
4. Find lucky charms and use them when playing
Many players believe in the power of lucky charms, rituals, or specific betting patterns to influence the outcome of the game. However, roulette is a random game, and these beliefs do not impact the result whatsoever.
Superstitions related to lucky numbers, specific seating positions, or rituals before placing bets are not rooted in factual evidence. For instance, if you feel like having your lucky teddy present when playing online roulette games, go for it. However, do not expect to land more winning numbers just because of it.
5. Use progressive betting on online roulette games
This myth suggests that increasing or decreasing bet sizes based on a previous round can improve one’s chances of winning. However, future outcomes of each spin are independent, and adjusting bet sizes does not change the underlying probabilities.
It’s important to keep in mind that no roulette system or betting pattern can influence roulette results. If anything, you can potentially risk losing more money by increasing your bets over time than you would by normal betting.
6. Bet on your lucky number
Many players have their favourite “lucky” numbers that they believe will bring them good fortune at the roulette table. This mostly results from tying a good outcome to a specific number sometime throughout their life.
However, in reality, all numbers on the wheel have an equal chance of winning, and luck does not favour specific numbers. The truth is that roulette is a game that doesn’t take into account the number biases that players have.
7. The Gambler’s Fallacy
This myth is not exclusive to roulette but applies to all games of chance. As we’ve mentioned previously, past results have no bearing on future results. For example, if red numbers have appeared several times in a row, some players believe that black is now more likely to come up.
In reality, the odds remain the same for each individual spin. It is illogical to think that the previous result can affect where the ball lands in the next spin. The results of the next round will always be completely random thanks to the Random Number Generator (RNG) with which operate all legitimate roulette tables. In fact, the RNG makes it impossible to predict future results.
8. Timing your bets well
This myth suggests that timing your bets or waiting for a specific moment can improve your chances of winning.
However, roulette is a game of random chance, and the timing of your bets has no impact on the outcome. Placing a bet at a specific moment will not increase or decrease your odds of winning.
9. Go for lucky tables or casinos
This myth suggests that certain tables or casinos are luckier than others. Some players believe that a specific online casino or land-based casinos are more likely to produce favourable outcomes.
The truth is that the game’s randomness applies universally, and there is no inherent luck associated with a particular table or casino.
10. Exploit winning streaks
If you’re on a winning streak, one myth suggests that you should continue betting heavily because luck is on your side. Conversely, if you’re on a losing streak, you should reduce your bets or stop playing altogether.
In reality, each spin is independent, and previous results do not affect future results. The concept of “luck” is unrelated to streaks in a game of chance. Also, betting out of frustration can lead to gambling outside your budget, which can prove to be very dangerous.
11. Switching your bets around periodically
This myth claims that altering your bet types, such as switching from Inside bets to Outside bets or vice versa, can somehow improve your chances of winning.
In reality, the type of bet you make has no impact on the underlying odds of the game. The same house edge will apply to your bets, no matter how you play around with them.
12. Only play at roulette tables during specific times
This myth suggests that certain times of the day or night are more favourable for winning at roulette. Some players believe that casinos (or, stranger yet, roulette dealers) adjust the odds or the behaviour of the roulette wheel based on the time of day.
However, casinos operate under strict regulations, and the game’s outcomes remain random and unaffected by the time of day. The casino industry in general doesn’t tailor its odds depending on the time of day.
13. Roulette is the devil’s game
The “Devil’s Game” myth is a popular and dramatic nickname associated with roulette. It stems from the fact that the sum of all the numbers on the roulette wheel (1 to 36) adds up to 666, which is traditionally associated with the devil.
While the association of roulette with the “Devil’s Game” myth adds a dramatic flair to the game’s reputation, it is important to remember that roulette is simply a game of chance that players play for fun, and any connection to the devil or evil is purely fictional and based on misconceptions.
14. Using money management systems increases your win rate
This myth revolves around the idea that using specific money management systems can help you win more consistently in roulette. Some players believe that setting win or loss limits, or using progressive betting strategies, can lead to better outcomes.
However, money management systems do not affect the inherent odds of the game and cannot guarantee long-term profits. This isn’t to say that they are bad.
In fact, using money management systems will help you prolong your entertainment, since their main premise is to place even-money wagers that can help you win frequently. In the long run, the house edge will nevertheless have an effect on your overall budget.
15. Roulette dealers affect your roulette play
This myth only applies to online casino roulette. It suggests that skilled dealers or players can control the speed at which the roulette ball is launched or spun, thereby influencing where it will land. According to this myth, manipulating the ball speed can result in a desired outcome or increase the chances of hitting specific numbers or sections of the wheel.
However, in reality, the speed at which the ball is launched and spins are primarily determined by the force applied by the dealer and the dynamics of the wheel. Skilled croupiers can maintain a consistent spin, but they cannot control the precise landing position of the ball. When it comes to roulette wheels online, none of this is theoretically possible since the wheel and ball are automated.
How to Identify and Avoid Falling for Roulette Myths
How can you play roulette games without falling for any of the myths circulating around it? The good news is that there definitely is a way to tune out all the myths and play roulette games in peace. All you have to do is take care of the following:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to understand the rules and mechanics of roulette. Learn about the odds, probabilities, and the house edge. This knowledge will help you recognize when a myth contradicts the fundamental principles of the game.
- Rely on Mathematics and Probability: Understand that roulette is based on chance and it has fixed odds. The outcomes are determined by random number generation and the laws of probability. Base your decisions on mathematical principles rather than unfounded beliefs or superstitions.
- Be Skeptical: Approach myths with a healthy dose of scepticism. Question the sources of information and claims made. Look for evidence, scientific research, or reliable data that support or refute the myth before accepting it as truth.
- Separate Superstition from Reality: Differentiate between genuine strategies or tactics based on sound reasoning and superstitious beliefs or rituals. Recognize that luck and superstition have no impact on the outcome of a game based on random chance.
- Avoid Confirmation Bias: Be aware of the tendency to seek out information that confirms existing beliefs or biases. Actively seek diverse perspectives and seek out information that challenges or debunks roulette myths to ensure a more balanced understanding.
- Learn from Experts and Reliable Sources: Consult reputable gambling experts, professional players, or reliable sources for insights and information about roulette. Books, articles, and online resources written by experienced players or industry professionals can provide valuable knowledge and help dispel myths.
- Test Strategies with Caution: If you come across a betting strategy or system, approach it with caution. Before committing significant money to any strategy, thoroughly understand its underlying principles and test it with a clear understanding of the game’s odds and limitations.