The Strangest Strategies Used in Gambling

min read
A gambler goes all in.
BetMGM Sep 25, 2023, 6:42 AM

Gamblers are a fascinating bunch. The rituals experienced gamblers swear by can seem absurd to other gamblers. But what if they work? Are you curious? Luckily for you, no matter how crazy a gambler’s strategy may seem, you’re protected from judging eyes if you play online casino games. Check out some of the oddest gambling strategies and hear the verdict on whether or not each strange online casino strategy is worth a try.

From bizarre to supernatural, here are some bizarre playing strategies that some players swear by in land-based and online casinos. Proceed at your own risk.

Casting Gambling Spells

Gambling certainly has an air of mysticism. So, it should be no surprise that some gamblers cast spells and summon gods of luck to ensure their success in casinos. Some bettors summon gambling gods like Lady Luck and the goddess of abundance. Make of this what you want, but it’s no easy feat: they use mantras and even homemade potions with ingredients like chamomile or a vulture head.

Chanting spells isn’t just for witches. Popular gambling spells include the Wiccan photo spell, which requires a photo, candles, and amber stones. And even though this might seem like a scene from a horror movie, some gamblers believe it’s the secret to their success. 

The Verdict

If rituals and mantras give you confidence as a gambler, more power to you. However, putting all your trust in magic without reason and logic can lead to irresponsible gambling. No matter what spells you cast, put your budget first. 

Only Playing in Tournaments

While this may not be one of the strangest strategies gamblers use, it is still an interesting one, and it’s a casino strategy that is very widely used. If you’ve ever reveled in the excitement of casino tournaments, this strategy could be your next move. The concept is relatively straightforward. Instead of playing the usual casino games, you immerse yourself in the world of tournaments. Depending on the type of tournament, this strategy can appeal to players because some gambling tournaments will come with flat fees, so you have a clear picture of your expenses and how much money you would need to put in for a chance to win. Others are more flexible, allowing you to place additional bets as the competition heats up.

While this structured approach may contrast the open-ended nature of traditional gambling, the charm of this strategy is all in its predictability. With a fixed entry fee, you can manage your budget effectively, ensuring you don’t overshoot.

The Verdict

On the bright side, tournaments offer structured gaming and controlled spending, adding stability to your gambling journey. Fixed entry fees ensure your budget stays on track, and the potential for substantial rewards amps up the thrill.

However, tournaments demand quick thinking, adaptability, and composure under pressure — not to mention the skill you need to play a game like poker or blackjack and win. The competition can be fierce, so you need to remember that victory isn’t a sure thing. If you’re new to gambling, it’s probably better to practice and hone your skills before jumping into the world of tournaments. 

Leaving the Table Before Your Results Come Out

Have you ever covered your eyes in fear while waiting for big results? What if this isn’t just a reflex but also one of the gambling strategies that work? When gambling online, some players believe it’s good luck to leave the table before their results pop up. Maybe it’s bad luck to watch your screen. Perhaps your anticipation affects the results. There may not be logic behind this belief, but like crossing your fingers, some players do it for good measure.

The Verdict

Most online games use a random number generator (RNG) to determine your results, and they won’t be affected by anything you do. Games like online poker require concentration. So, leaving the table could hamper your strategy instead of aiding it. This might be a fun ritual, but it’s definitely not on the list of most successful gambling strategies.

Using One Betting System as Your Bible

There isn’t really a “best betting strategy” that players could follow. Yes, some strategies can significantly improve your odds of winning, but if there were one sure-fire betting system that worked every time, most casinos would be out of business by now. Most betting systems gradually increase bets after every loss until a player wins. Many professional gamblers swear by betting systems and advise their fans to use them to ensure they win in the long run and recoup losses. 

The Verdict

Even the most effective playing strategy is worthless if you don’t understand how casino games work. In most online games, your chances of winning don’t increase when you win or lose — they remain the same and are independent. A system that continuously increases your wager after every loss is bound to dent your bankroll. Smart bankroll management requires thought and intention, not a formula. It’s okay to doubt betting systems, even if they come from a pro. 

Only Placing Maximum Bets on Slots

Online slots are always changing. From better graphics and more immersive themes to more bonus features and extras. One thing that’s also changed is the number of paylines and betting ranges in slots. Today, you can choose how many paylines you want active in a game and how much you want to bet. 

Most bettors don’t like using one pay line at a time. Instead, their strategy to boost their odds playing slots is to bet on as many paylines as possible, with a maximum bet to get the highest return to player (RTP.) This slot strategy is usually recommended for jackpot slots.

The Verdict

RTPs are not fixed but usually fluctuate depending on how you approach a game. If you play the smallest number of lines, the RTP drops, and you have fewer chances of winning. This gambling strategy can be a smart one if you use it wisely. You can only win some slot jackpots with a maximum wager. Plus, more paylines increase your chances of entering bonus rounds that unlock free spins, bonus symbols, and multipliers. These features are your gateway to the maximum prize.

We agree that for a higher RTP and a chance at a jackpot prize, you can increase your bet and activate more paylines. Remember, betting higher and using more paylines doesn’t mean disregarding your budget. 

Always Playing the Same Numbers

Some players swear by the “Same Numbers” strategy. It is one of the easiest gambling strategies and involves players using the same numbers every time they bet, especially in games like the lottery or roulette. But can banking on the same numbers every time really pay off? 

The answer usually falls to your personal preference. For the more patient or superstitious players, this strategy stems from the belief that if certain numbers haven’t hit yet, they’re bound to hit in the future. Plus, everybody has those special numbers they feel attached to, whether due to past wins, personal significance, or simply a gut feeling. Other players remain skeptical of this strategy, pointing out the lack of concrete proof. 

The Verdict

The opinions on whether this strategy works are as varied as the numbers themselves. It’s a toss-up — a gamble in its own right — whether sticking to those same digits is a smart move. If you sense a personal connection with certain numbers — whether as lucky symbols or cherished digits — giving this strategy a spin might align with your playing style. Ultimately, the true test lies in your experience at the table.

Always Betting on the Home Team

Not all strange strategies are complex. There is a common belief among sports bettors that it is wise to always bet on the home team, especially if they’re the underdog. Betting on a home team favorite means you must bet much more to win a reasonable amount. Then again, an underdog bet has a higher payout than your wager. 

But it’s not just about payouts. The home team advantage that these bettors are counting on is no myth. In the NHL, around 59% of games are won by home teams, with 57.6% in American football and 54.1% in Major League Baseball. 

The Verdict

There is certainly an advantage to betting on a home team. Still, it may not be wise to always bet on a home team underdog without doing your research. Even with statistics in your favor, you may lose much more in the long run than you gain. Learn about your teams, research sports betting odds, and enjoy the game. Besides, if your bets are all automatic, you’ve taken all the fun out of sports betting.

Using Extrasensory Perception

Sometimes, what you need to succeed is already within you. Extrasensory perception (ESP) falls in this category. In a nutshell, the ESP gambling strategy is at work when you use your mind to see and access unseen objects or events. So, in a game of poker or blackjack, this type of remote psychic viewing could let you see your opponent’s cards and any hole cards on the table.

Believe it or not, this phenomenon showed so much potential at one point that it inspired a government-run research program that lasted 17 years. Although the program was unsuccessful, many people — including participating researchers — claimed to have successfully used ESP skills.

The Verdict

If remote viewing is a real skill you can learn, it could take years to master it. You’re better off learning tried and tested gambling strategies that rely more on your physical and mental abilities than your potential psychic skills.

Discover an Online Casino You Can Trust with BetMGM

BetMGM is passionate about responsible gaming. No matter how incredible a strategy might be, gambling responsibly and following a budget must always come first. You don’t have to cast spells or follow old casino rituals to succeed as a gambler. Instead, find your own strategy and style in BetMGM’s casino, which offers hundreds of games with budget-friendly betting options. Register today for a secure and smooth gaming experience.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.