Superstitions in Video Poker Due to technology-based video games and their seemingly random nature, many people have been led to believe that either the casino fixes the game by choosing the cards dealt, or that certain superstitions can help them avoid bad luck, predict what will happen or give them signs about what they should do. Random Number Generators The machines used to play video poker are known as random number generators, which shuffle a deck of 52 cards. endlessly, until the player chooses “deal” or “draw”. The random nature of this operation ensures that each hand is dealt fairly and the odds will always be the same. However, as with many seemingly random games, and even more so in casinos, some people have been led to a number of superstitions about the machines themselves. According to superstitions, generators can be “hot” or “cold” and deal out a series of good or bad hands. So, depending on the machine used, the player can win more or less money. This superstition could come from the term "cold hand" to describe a series of losses, or from the way the machines are built. The machines will still generate random cards, but due to their constant operation, they can overheat and be more predictable. Casinos monitor this though. Players' Fallacy This is a belief that can influence all players participating in any game. Perhaps even more redundant in this case due to the completely random nature of the situation, some players believe that if a hand has not been dealt, or if there has not been a suit for some time, this is inevitable. This is not only a belief unique to video poker, but is perhaps exaggerated by the suspicion that...... middle of paper ......ter returns. Gimmicky games, such as “Deuces Wild” or “Full Pay Double Bonus” are considered less serious and, for some reason, are believed to offer better returns. Due to the inclusion of wilds and special payouts for certain hands, some players believe the odds are better and the machines become more generous. Changing Machines Changes Luck Perhaps the simplest superstition that affects how players react when playing video poker is this. the belief that by switching machines they avoid bad luck, the idea being that the particular machine they are playing on is experiencing a losing streak, or that the player is experiencing a streak of bad luck. As with many superstitions, the fundamental truths are completely ignored, and this one is no exception. The odds for each hand are always the same regardless of machine due to their completely random nature..