It’s possible to chase losses or ‘get even.’
Reality: It’s important to remember that it only takes one lucky ticket to win. The longer you play, the more you’re likely you are to lose. If you’re playing to chase your losses or get even, it might be a good sign to take a break.
It’s easier to win the lottery in a bigger city.
Reality: Every lottery ticket has an equal chance at winning, regardless of where it was purchased. If you were to move to Raleigh, you'd have more neighbors; if you moved to a tiny town, you'd have less. But what everyone would have in common in all those places is that each individual would have the exact same chance of winning a lottery prize!
You can improve your chances of winning.
Reality: Playing the lottery is a game of chance, not skill. That means that no matter how much you think you’re improving your odds of winning or likelihood of hitting a jackpot, you aren’t. The only choice you have that’ll influence your chances of winning is buying a ticket. Remember, it just takes one ticket to win.
You can solve a financial challenge by playing the lottery.
Reality: The lottery is all about luck and games of chance. So there is never a guarantee you will win a prize, no matter how long or how much you play. For this reason, the lottery should never be considered a guaranteed source of income. If you’re playing in hopes to solve a financial challenge, it might be time to take a break.
You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.
Reality: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. If a person’s gambling is causing psychological, financial, emotional, marital, legal or other difficulties for themselves and the people around them, then it might be time for them to take a break and seek help.
Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
Reality: If a person’s gambling is interfering with their ability to act in accordance with their values, then there is a problem. For example: too much time spent on gambling means less time to spend with family, friends and others. It can lead to relationship breakdown and loss of important friendships.