All games and sports have their specific myths, and poker is no exception. Some of these stories are inspirational. Examples of these include the legendary exploits of great players ranging from Wild Bill Hickok to Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey and Donny Chan. Others are flatly depressing, encouraging players to think superstitiously and to trust luck instead of reaching their full potential in live or online poker. Addressing these rumors and stereotypes is the purpose of this blog. Without further ado, let’s dispel the most common poker myths!

1. It’s a gambling game

Probably the most common misconception of poker is that it’s a gambling game. Maybe it’s because of all those Western movies featuring gun-slinging cardsharps! The truth of the matter, though, is that poker is much more of a game of skill than it is a game of chance. In fact, the International Mind Sports Association officially accepted poker as a mind sport in 2010, putting it in the same category as games such as bridge, go and chess. That doesn’t mean that you can’t lose money when you play poker online, though. Beginner players simply have no business getting involved with pros in big pots. It’s like taking a knife to a gunfight! Much better to work your way up from micro-stakes or take part in free-roll poker tournaments.

2. Online poker is rigged

What do poker and bingo myths have in common? Since the beginning of the internet, some players have insisted that the online versions of these games are rigged. Nothing could be further from the truth! First, there’s no chance that anyone can tamper with the deck. That’s because the software on legitimate poker sites and online casinos uses random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that cards are truly dealt at random. (The same poker sites also use advanced tracking technology to eliminate any collusion between online players.)

Second, there are no more bad beats in poker games online than in live poker. Some players may have the perception that bad beats occur more frequently, but that’s purely because more hands are played online per hour than at a live table. It’s simply the nature of the game. Statistically, there’s no difference.

Third, poker sites don’t set up “action hands” (that is, rig the deck so two players have strong hands, encouraging them to build big pots.) Setting aside the fact that RNGs make this impossible, it simply shows ignorance to repeat this story. If you know anything about GTO poker theory (if you don’t, you may need to bust a few GTO poker myths!) you’ll know that modern players mix up their ranges so that even getting a super-duper “action hand” doesn’t mean a player’s going to bump up the pot automatically. A good antidote to this toxic fiction is to analyze a few hands played by top online players. You’ll soon see that the patterns of play sink any notions of rigged action hands. To sum it up: whether you’re playing cash games or poker tournaments, online poker is totally legitimate.

3. You can never win at online poker

Have you noticed a pattern to the myths that we’ve outlined so far? That’s right, they’re all decidedly negative. As a result, it stands to reason that it’s negative players who spread them. Losing money constantly is one way to fall into a negative mindset, and the one surefire way to lose money when you play poker online is to get involved where you shouldn’t. 

In fact, if losing money at all is enough for you to have a negative playing experience, you probably shouldn’t be playing poker. But if you’re constantly paying other players without getting anything in return, you may want to play at different tables until your understanding of the game improves. No, the game isn’t rigged, you’re just out of your depth! 

Yes, it is definitely possible to play poker games online and win. Simply search the latest online poker career earnings rankings to convince yourself of that! That said (to bust two fables at once), you don’t have to be a professional to win either. You won’t find too many pros playing at the micro-stakes level, and if you’re better than the other micro-stakes players, you can win. One thing you can never count on, though, is always winning. It’s all about average profit in the long run.

4. Poker players are born, not made

Why do some people become poker stars with millions of dollars in earnings while the vast majority of players have to work day jobs? Is it because some players have a genetic advantage? Sorry to burst any bubbles, but that would be a total misconception. 

It may be an attractive notion for some to think that success at the poker table is dictated by fate, but (to paraphrase what Einstein famously said) the gods of poker don’t play dice. Rather, they reward dedication, commitment, willpower, learning, practice and experience. 

Take Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu, for example. As a high-school drop-out, he was no genius. But he had the motivation to keep playing the game, learn from his mistakes and never quit until he came out on top as one of the greatest poker players of all time. There’s a lesson in there for every poker player.

5. The “cash-out curse”

Another unsupported rumor that’s been floating around online for years is that of the “cash-out curse.” The idea is that poker sites will somehow make sure that a player goes on a losing streak after withdrawing money. Considering that poker is played against other players and not the house, it doesn’t make any sense for a poker site to punish players for winning. After all, driving players away should result in less rake-off for the host. The most likely explanation for the persistence of the cash-out curse rumor is that it’s just another convenient excuse for losing.

Play poker in its purest state – Borgata Online

Pure, honest poker in a safe, secure environment – that’s what you get when you register at Borgata Online. Try your hand at Texas Hold’em, Omaha or Seven Card Stud and meet like-minded players in our friendly and growing poker community. Enjoy cash games from micro-stakes to high stakes and join in poker tournaments with buy-ins to suit your pocket. 

New to poker games online? Our free-roll events are a great way to test the waters without getting wet! In between poker sessions, you’re welcome to explore our online casino for entertaining games of chance, such as slots, blackjack and roulette. Get your best game on at Borgata Online!