Gambling has been a popular pastime for humans for centuries, with evidence of basic games of chance found in ancient China and scenes of animal fighting bets on Roman pottery. The world of casinos and gambling is full of myths, legends, and stories, both strange and remarkable.
Some of these stories are true, while others are fake, especially in countries or states where it isn't legal. These stories have become fun facts that have entertained us all.
In this article, we'll reveal 5 fun casino facts you probably never heard about gambling and online casinos that you may not have known before. From unusual games to unconventional strategies, along with myths about the gambling world. So, let's get started and explore the weird and wonderful world of gambling!
Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Gambling And Casinos
The online casinos and gaming world has interesting facts and cultural history. In fact, it is so rich that even the most dedicated gaming enthusiast may be unable to recall all five fun facts we have listed below.
An Eight-Year Poker Game
In 1881, Billy and Lottie Hutchinson opened a club named the Bird Cage Theater in Arizona. The place had a high-stakes poker room in the basement where a game was played around the clock without any days off. Almost all the best poker players visited this legendary place, and tens of millions of dollars passed through the table during that time. Although the owners' income was not specified, it is known that they took ten percent of the bank. If you think spending a couple of days in a casino makes you almost a marathon runner, it's nothing compared to playing poker for almost eight and a half years.
Napoleon And Blackjack
Bonaparte had a fondness for gambling, particularly for playing blackjack. However, the game was not yet called by that name. In France, it was initially known as Vingt-et-Un, and it was this version of the game that Napoleon enjoyed playing.
During his exile on the island of Elba, the renowned emperor had plenty of free time and often indulged in lengthy card games.
Nuclear Explosions In Las Vegas
In 1951, the U.S. Department of Energy conducted a massive nuclear test approximately a hundred kilometers away from Las Vegas. Surprisingly, this event attracted a large number of tourists to the city. People came to watch the explosions, and the subject became the center of advertising campaigns. One casino even organized a beauty contest named "Miss Atomic Energy."
Gambling In Prison
It was well-known that prisoners played card games, dice, and other games of chance. However, this activity is illegal in most parts of the world. Only in Nevada prisons were inmates officially allowed to play games like poker, craps, and blackjack. Sports betting was also possible behind bars.
We use the past tense because these entertainments lasted 35 years and ended in 1967. Other prison authorities decided that gambling had a detrimental effect on prisoners serving time and created an unhealthy atmosphere in the institution.
Casino Myths That Everyone Should Know
The distinction between facts and imagination has often become unclear, leading to the creation of various myths. Casino gambling has always been a fascinating subject for people, which has resulted in numerous opinions and beliefs about it. Below are some of the most interesting thoughts and myths surrounding this topic:
1. A Winning Hand Is A Matter Of Luck
There are two categories of casino games - soft and hard. Soft games rely solely on luck, while hard games require specific skills to win. It's important to note that there is no such thing as luck being on your side or stars aligning to make a win happen for you. If you want to try your luck, you can start playing with free pokies online.
2. Card Counting Will Put You In Jail
While counting cards at a casino table is not considered illegal, it is generally frowned upon by both the casino and other players. This is because it gives the player an unfair advantage in the game by allowing them to predict better the cards that will be dealt next. By doing so, the player can increase their chances of winning significantly. However, if a casino suspects a player of counting cards, they may take action by blacklisting that player. This means that the player will no longer be allowed to play at that casino and will likely be banned from other casinos in the area as well.
3. Casino Games Are Rigged
There is a common myth that casino games are rigged, but this is not entirely true. Casinos give bonuses, and if a player wins big, they can withdraw all their money. However, the games are designed in such a way that the casino always earns more money than it pays out in the long run. This is how casinos make a profit. It's important to keep in mind that while it is possible to win in the short term, the odds are always in favor of the casino.
However, this doesn't mean that casinos can manipulate the outcome of each game at will. That would be considered cheating! Casinos are transparent about the design of their games and don't permit players to claim foul play simply because they're experiencing a losing streak.
4. Roulette Dealers Can Rig The Wheel To Avoid Big Payouts
There is a common belief among gambling enthusiasts that the casino staff is involved in a secret setup that influences the outcome of a game. Some even think a skilled roulette dealer can manipulate the wheel per the casino's orders. However, this belief is baseless. The games played at casinos, including slot machines, are licensed to generate random numbers. Therefore, online casinos that offer no deposit-free spins in New Zealand are considered more trustworthy.
5. Some Slot Machines Are “Hot,” And Some Are “Cold”
Many believe that slots for real money are "hot" if they frequently give out winning combinations and "cold" if they rarely do. However, the truth is that these winning and losing streaks have nothing to do with the slot machine itself, as it is programmed to be completely random.
Final Thoughts: Fun And Unbelievable Facts About Casinos and Gambling
These interesting casino facts can add a new level of excitement to your next visit to the casino, regardless of whether you are a seasoned gambler or just a curious visitor.
Take a few moments to enjoy the rich history, superstitions, and incredible tales that have shaped this exciting industry.
Who knows, armed with these fascinating statistics, you may have a winning streak at the roulette wheel or blackjack table! However, always remember that gambling should be done for fun and not as a way to make money.
