5 Roulette Myths Debunked

All games of luck inevitably inspire a range of „magical“ recipes for success, as well as „sure“ telltale signs you'll end up a loser. Casino games are no exception and Roulette also comes with its share of myths and superstitions. Let’s have a look at top 5 most common ones and explain why they're wrong.

1. You Can Win by Betting on Sleeping numbers

The wheel spins in one direction, ball in another; who's to tell where it's going to end? Roulette is a guessing game, and your guess as to the next number to win is just as good as anybody else's, no matter what your skill levels and no matter what has happened before. In this game, the outcome of the next spin has nothing to do with the previous one, and that's why betting on „sleeping numbers“ (those which have not won for a long time) can't help you win. The odds that a ball lands on a sleeping number are exactly the same as for any of 36 or 37 others displayed on the wheel. 

2. The Dealer Can Stop the Ball Where They Want

Some players believe dealers (or the casino) have the power to make the ball stop where they want. This is either assigned to skilful croupiers or bent operators. If you consider the early gambling days when gambling establishments were run by mobsters, sure, there was quite a bit of foul play going on. Wedged wheels, magnets and other ingenious devices were used to influence the outcome. However, those days are long gone and casino operators will not risk losing their licenses by defrauding customers. 

As far as dealer's skills go, seriously, no one is that good. With two opposite spinning actions (wheel going one way and ball the other), and numerous bounces of the ball, it's totally impossible to control where it will end. When it comes to online casinos and computer-operated games, there's always rigorously controlled Random Number Generator which makes sure nobody can influence the outcome of a spin.

3. There are Systems Which Can Help You Beat the Game

If you're new to Roulette but have some kind of experience with Blackjack or Video Poker, you might think systems used in those two games could help you win at Roulette as well. There's one fundamental difference which makes this assumption wrong. While both Poker and Blackjack are skill-based games, Roulette is all about luck. Tips and tricks lavishly shared online might help you  enjoy your gaming experience a little bit longer, but there's no proven system which will increase your chances of winning.

4. You Can't Win on Roulette

Reportedly Einstein has once said: „No one can win at roulette unless he steals money from the table while the croupier isn't looking“. You'd think such a smart guy must be right, yet many players leave Roulette tables significantly better off than when they first arrived. And many others don't. Of course it's possible to win, but as already stated, winners and loser are determined by luck rather than skill. There is a story about a young Brit called Ashley Revell, who sold everything he had to go play Roulette in Las Vegas. He wagered more than $100,000 on a single round, bet on Red, and the wheel delivered! Ashley got lucky and so could you, though we’d not necessarily advise that you bet your entire fortune in one go.

5. Good Luck Charms and Bad Luck Events

You'd probably be surprised by the number of gamblers who firmly believe there are charms which bring good luck and events which indicate you'd be better off walking away from the Roulette table. If you happen to be one of them, here's one word of  advice: don't go staking your entire paycheck just because you happen to be wearing your lucky underwear. The game might end up in tears at best, and with a divorce or filing for bankruptcy at worst. Rabbit's foot, horse shoe and the lot are not what makes a winner. Black cat crossing your path, or breaking a mirror to pieces, should not make you turn around at the Casino door and go home. 

The anticipation you experience as that little ball spins and bounces can be extremely exciting, which you'll well know if you've ever played this popular casino game. However, there are no men or universe-influenced  events that have anything to do with the outcome. So the best you can do is put all myths and superstitions aside and focus on the game; learn about the rules and payouts, and manage your bankroll smartly. If you come out hundreds of thousands richer – great! But the very least you can always win is a highly enjoyable gaming experience.