Weird Online Casino Myths Busted - Must-Read Before Playing!

The online gambling scene is massive, with stacks of Kiwis and casinos getting in on the action daily. But just like anywhere, there are a few tall tales and misconceptions out there that can put new players off. For instance, you might hear that online casino games are fixed.

This guide aims to bust that old chestnut and a few other online casino myths with solid facts. After a read, you'll be able to tell a fact from fiction in no time.

Myth #1: Are Online Casino Games Rigged?

How often have you heard this one? Most seasoned gamblers who favour their local clubs might think online casino games aren't transparent or fair. And to be fair to them, it's pretty hard to see exactly how games like slots, blackjack, or poker generate their results in the background. You just spin the reels and hope for the best.

But here's the real deal: online casino games use Random Number Generators (RNGs). Think of them as super-fast digital shuffling machines that churn out billions of results every second, even when a slot machine isn't being played. This means no one at the casino can fiddle with the outcomes because the algorithms are always changing and are incredibly complex.

But wait, there's more! The best online casino sites in New Zealand are licensed by reputable bodies like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). These regulators ensure that all RNG games are rigorously tested for fairness by independent auditors, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, before granting their seals of approval. So, if you're playing at a casino that meets these standards, you can be confident the games are completely fair and transparent.

Myth #2: Can You Legally Gamble Online in New Zealand?

Online gambling is a bit of a mixed bag legally around the world. As we've seen in Europe and the US, many jurisdictions have moved to license and regulate online betting. However, the situation in New Zealand is a bit different.

While New Zealand has clear laws against offshore casinos accepting bets from Kiwis, and has its own state-run options like the TAB, it's technically legal for New Zealanders to gamble on overseas sites. Many offshore operators accept Kiwi players, and some even cater specifically to this market. The key here is understanding the licensing of these offshore sites.

If you decide to play at an offshore casino, it's crucial to check if it's licensed by a reputable legal body, such as those in the UK or Malta, or even Curacao. Do your homework and look into the casino's reputation by reading reviews from other players. Remember, playing at a well-licensed offshore casino isn't going to land you in hot water as a player in New Zealand.

Myth #3: The House Always Wins

You’ve probably heard this gambling sentence several times from players and gambling blogs. The truth is that the casino always has an edge, regardless of the game you’re playing. This mathematical advantage assures them of their share whether you win the jackpot or lose a bet. That’s another reason why casinos don’t rig game results.

But the good news is that gamers can use several strategies to reduce the house edge and increase their chances of winning. This is especially true in games like blackjack and poker, where players can split, double down, count cards, and more. It’s possible to reduce the house edge to less than 0.50% in these card games.

It’s also worth noting that the house edge only becomes active after a thousand or so bets. This means players have every chance of winning a bet if they play early and aggressively. However, even a 0.50% house edge is enough to lose you lots of money in the long run.

Myth #4: Casino Bonuses Are Free Money

Here is another common misconception in the online gambling scene. Players often receive treats like free spins, match deposit bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and cashback. These online casino bonuses attract players and keep the loyal ones yearning for more. But are online casinos so generous as to offer everyone free money?

Casinos are businesses just like any other. Any tokens given to players are well-thought-out to ensure the casino doesn’t come out as losers. Most of these bonuses have wagering requirements to ensure players use their own money before withdrawing the bonus winnings. For example, a casino can welcome players with a $100 package with a 10x wagering requirement. In that case, players must wager $1,000 ($100 x 10) before cashing out their bonus winnings.

As if that’s not enough, the casinos know that all games have a house edge which works in their favor. The more you spin the reels using the free spins, the more the house edge comes into play. In the end, you may win nothing or very little from the bonuses. So, confirm the house edge of the game before claiming the prize.

Myth #5: Unlucky And Lucky Numbers In Roulette

Online roulette is one of the most played table games at any casino. This game is straightforward, with gamers only predicting the color, number, or combination of numbers where the ball will stop. However, experienced roulette players believe that some online roulette numbers are luckier than others. The same can be said about craps. Is this true?

Number 17 is one of the most played numbers, with the legendary MIT Blackjack Team describing it as the most random number. Numbers 7 and 3 are other loved numbers among players, with most bettors believing that good tidings come in threes. On the other hand, numbers 13, 17, and zeros are considered “sucker” numbers.

The reality is that these are mere online casino myths. All the numbers on an online roulette wheel have the same chance of coming up. It’s a coincidence that a certain number comes up more often than others. With that said, your chances of winning increase if you bet on even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low. These bets have more than a 45% chance of hitting.

Myth #6: Betting Systems Don’t Work

There are many betting systems in the online gambling world. Players can use the Martingale strategy to cover losses by doubling their stake each time they lose a bet. The objective is to recover all losses after a single win. Other betting strategies include D’Alembert, Paroli, Fibonacci, James Bond, and Flat Betting.

But you’ll be surprised to find most bettors dismissing these strategies. They argue that gambling is purely luck-based, so these betting systems won’t do much to help out. It’s sad to agree, but the reality is that a betting system will never reduce the house edge even by 0.01%.

But intelligent bettors think of these systems as a way of managing their bankrolls. These strategies will guide players on the amount stake per bet and add to their bankrolls on a good day. Also, use a betting system on even-money wagers on roulette, blackjack, and craps. And most importantly, a gaming budget should be significant to cover a string of losses before striking a win.

The Sum-Up

Did you gain anything? Hope so! Online casino myths are mere superstitions without facts. You should be a factual casino player and separate the truth from fiction. If you have a long losing streak, it’s because of bad luck or using the wrong strategy. Don’t believe the misconceptions!