Myths and Misconceptions

  • Gamblers have flamboyant, carefree personalities. (Some are, but others are quiet, introverted, and serious minded)
  • Gamblers enjoy risks in all areas of their lives. (Some are big risk takers, others are conservative in personal habits and work)
  • If you don’t gamble daily, you’re not a problem or compulsive gambler
  • You can be addicted to an activity. (Gambling can change one’s mood by affecting the biochemistry of the brain much the same way as alcohol or drugs)
  • Gamblers are thieves and criminals.  (Not true, but some gamblers may resort to criminal behaviour in desperation)
  • A compulsive gambler will bet on anything. (Problem gamblers generally have preferences and are not tempted by every type of gambling)
  • All compulsive gamblers want to lose. (are addicted to the act of gambling –they would rather lose than be out of the action)
  • Compulsive gamblers are week-willed, otherwise they would simply stop.

Test

Question 1
Betting the same numbers for every lottery draw will help you win?
A
True
B
False
Question 1 Explanation: 
Nothing affects or improves your chances of winning because each number selection process is completely random. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, CAMH, “Random Event Knowledge Test”, Turner 2000)
Question 2
Is bingo a game of skill?
A
True
B
False
Question 2 Explanation: 
Although skill plays a role in playing many bingo cards at the same time, winning cards are determined by a random selection of numbers. (“Within Limits” Annual Campaign, 2006, Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario)
Question 3
Knowledge of mathematics can help you win at lotteries?
A
True
B
False
Question 3 Explanation: 
Knowledge of math can help you decide if you wish to play, but it cannot help you predict the winning numbers. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, CAMH, “Random Event Knowledge Test”, Turner, 2000)
Question 4
Staying at the same slot machine improves your chances of winning?
A
True
B
False
Question 4 Explanation: 
Nothing affects your chances of winning because there is no action, on the part of the player, that will positively affect the outcome of a machine spin. (Turner, N & Horbay, R. (2004). “How do slot machines and other electronics gambling machines actually work?”, Journal of Gambling Issues: eGambling)
There are 4 questions to complete.

Niagara Multilingual Prevention/Education Problem Gambling Program © 2022

NHS Mohltc Logo Camh Logo Opgh Logo Casn