Have you heard theories and superstitions about Video Poker? Have you heard rumours about how sometimes games run ‘hot or cold’ or how the machine is programmed not to let you win the majority of the time?

Although not as common in the online world, there are still some superstitious beliefs that will not go away, so let’s debunk some of the most common.

Video Poker machines run ‘hot’ or ‘cold’

Viewing machines it can appear this way, but this is simply a factor produced by random draws. Video Poker games are not programmed to pay out more at one time and less at another. This is because each video poker game is governed by a random number generator (RNG) that ensures every card you receive is entirely random.
This means while some machines will pay out more at some times, this is a statistical anomaly, rather than a programming one, as such, it is unpredictable and impossible to forecast.

The machine generally selects the cards I draw to ensure I lose

Absolutely not. As we have stated above, the cards are generated randomly by the RNG. The software isn’t programmed to make you win or lose, simply to randomise the draw as fairly as possible.

I’m on a losing streak, so I am due to win soon

Sadly, once again due to the random number generator, there is absolutely no guarantee that because you have endured a tough time at video poker, you will soon receive a substantial payout. By the same token, if you win big, you stand exactly the same chance of winning big again on the very next hand as you did the successful one.

If I change the game I play, my luck will change

Mathematically and statistically, there is absolutely no evidence of this, however if it makes a player feel better about their game then that is a good thing, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win, or lose, any more or less often.