If you spend any time on social media, you might have seen the viral meme floating around with the cast of The Sopranos surrounding a poker table that says – “Fact: 90% of gambling addicts quit right before they’re about to hit it big” – suggesting that if gamblers that walked away had placed just one more bet, they would likely have won a fortune. The meme has become so popular that there are even t-shirts and coffee mugs with the viral phrase for sale.
We are sure the meme creators meant no harm. Like many exploitable memes, it was likely created to be humorous with the hopes of becoming an internet sensation. The problem is that this “statistic” is not only completely fabricated for entertainment purposes but also potentially dangerous information that isn’t funny at all.
Image Credit: https://knowyourmeme.com
The truth is that win or lose, many gamblers don’t quit, which can lead to gambling addiction, the uncontrollable urge to continue to gamble no matter the consequences. Furthermore, throwing the dice, spinning the wheel, or saying “hit me” one more time does not guarantee you will hit the jackpot if you stick around long enough.
In fact, other surveys and statistics show that the odds are significantly against you, one stating that only 13.5% of players walk out of a casino with any profit at all. Those odds are even smaller if you hope to “win big.”
In this blog, we will break down the origin of the “90% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit It Big” viral meme floating around social media and discuss the validity of the website headline where the meme seems to have originated that cites a study that claims that “83% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit It Big.”
We will also uncover the actual facts about your gambling odds, gambling harms, and how to know when social gambling has turned to problem gambling, and offer responsible gambling tips so you can enjoy betting here and there without the fun taking a negative turn.
Fiction: 90% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit It Big
This “statistic” circulating online is entirely fabricated and lacks any evidence to support it. The real truth is that each game you play at a casino, whether you play for 5 minutes or 5 hours, has a statistical probability that you will lose, not win.
We will provide some factual statistics about gambling so that you are aware of your actual odds and the dangers of compulsive gambling, but first, let’s look at where the numbers in this viral meme come from.
Origin of the Statistic That 90% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit it Big
This is a perfect example of not believing everything you read online. It’s not entirely clear where the 90% statistic came from, but it seems to be an exaggerated number that originates from a headline posted on June 6th, 2013, on a satire and humor website (whose stories often get posted as real news when their headlines are, in fact, false.)
The 2013 satire headline read – “Study: 83% Of Gamblers Quit Right Before They Would Have Hit The Big One,” – referencing a study and quoting a researcher that claims to have uncovered that a majority of gamblers walk away from the table right before becoming millionaires. More on this alleged study and its validity next, but first, let’s break down this viral meme.
While different versions of the meme template have recently become viral on Instagram, Twitter, and other similar social media sites in 2022 and 2023, according to a popular meme site, it was originally posted in 2014 after an unknown user posted an image macro reading, “Proven fact: 90% of gambling addicts quit right before they would have hit it big!”
Another version of the meme came out a few months later, resulting in this false information spreading. Fast forward to 2023, where the recaptioning of The Sopranos Whisper post is commonplace and viral. The first found instance of this meme came from Instagram user @trashcanpaul, and it later went viral on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram pages.
We should also add (not that it would make the meme any more accurate) that this statistic was never quoted on The Sopranos. Someone just used the widely popular cast of the show as a visual to go along with their made-up number.
Validity of Study That Claims 83% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit It Big
This study was originally posted on a satirical site. Satire is a style of content that aims to create what is commonly called “fake news.” Sometimes, the creators take facts and put a humorous spin on them. Other times, they make something up out of thin air.
The creators of these pages often claim their content isn’t “fake news,” arguing that its ultimate purpose is to make insightful observations about actual individuals, occurrences, and societal patterns, often aiming to catalyze transformative effects.
Either way, you must know that what you read on a satire website is rarely true. They are unreliable sources, but sadly, many people don’t know this, which results in the spreading of false information, sometimes by unknowing or rookie journalists.
In the case of the “83% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit it Big” study and quotes from researchers, it seems to be entirely fiction. We found no record that the study existed or that the researchers quoted were even real.
That said, let’s say the study was real, and the news source that posted it was legit. Even then, you must be observant because not all research is created equal. Not only are study findings often biased or over-hyped by companies using them to indirectly promote themselves or their products, but how they were conducted can undermine credibility, even when performed by highly accredited institutions and academics.
Regarding the 2013 study that supposedly found that 83% of gamblers would have won big, similar to the circulating 90% meme, it appears to be fabricated for amusement. Nevertheless, these figures are completely unreliable and untrue.
Fact: The Real Statistics About Gambling
The theory that you walked away just one bet short of hitting the jackpot is false. There is no evidence that you will win if you keep playing slot machines, spinning the roulette wheel, or throwing down money on the blackjack table (or whatever your game of chance is). In fact, the opposite is true.
But let’s say you do get lucky and win big. For some, that is when social gambling starts down a slippery slope that can quickly lead to a gambling disorder.
A big win sometimes results in people feeling driven for the next big win. This pursuit is where the idea of compulsive gambling originates. Science has shown that gambling disorder is not really a compulsion, it is about experiencing harms due to gambling that fail to change how a person gambles.
Let’s examine some actual facts about gambling and the problems that compulsive gambling can lead to if you aren’t practicing responsible gambling strategies.
The Odds Are Against You
Commercial casino gaming revenue reached approximately $41.7 billion in 2018 for a simple reason. Those profits stem from the losses incurred by players. Casinos have a built-in advantage for every game they offer, ensuring their profitability over time.
What does this mean for you? Well, the reality is that hitting the jackpot isn’t a likely outcome for most individuals who step foot inside a casino. The odds are deliberately stacked in favor of the house. The more you play, the more the mathematics work against you, increasing the likelihood of leaving the casino with less money than you initially brought.
Consider slot machines, for example. The odds of winning the top prize when playing with the maximum coins range from a mere one-in-5,000 to as low as one-in-about-34-million. Additionally, each spin is independent of the last, so those odds stay the same with every gamble, meaning you don’t ‘get better odds’ having placed more bets in a row.
The reality is that US-approved slot machines do not operate with a programmed payout. These machines have a constantly running random number generator that includes a slight chance of a winning spin. The computer chip in the slot machine is programmed to have a big win by pure chance and is very rare.
In essence, no matter your game of choice, the odds are not in your favor, and winning big is highly unlikely. Gambling should not be seen as a reliable means of earning extra cash. Every game offered at a casino has statistical probabilities that work against you. For those who still choose to take their chances, it is crucial to gamble responsibly and know when to quit while ahead. The notion of being “one bet away” from a significant win or assuming an ongoing winning streak will persist is simply a psychological illusion.
Gambling Could Cost You Big
In the U.S., over 43 billion dollars were wagered in casinos in 2022, and nearly $100 billion was wagered on sports. From those bets, recent numbers show gamblers are not winning or breaking even. It is estimated that U.S. gamblers suffer over $100 billion in yearly gambling losses – debt most people can’t afford to pay off.
According to debt.org, on average, a man with a gambling problem is in the red between $55,000 and $90,000 each year. Females come in lower at around $15,000 in debt. But male or female, more than 20% of compulsive gamblers file for bankruptcy because of gambling losses.
As a result, they often lose their jobs, creating a negative financial ripple effect. The effects of gambling on employment, consisting of job change costs, unemployment, and productivity loss, were estimated at $27.8 million annually.
Piling on debt isn’t the only way problem gambling can cost you big. If your social gambling gets out of hand, it could harm your life and the life of those around you in many ways.
- On average, each person with a gambling problem harms six other people. Often those same people are the ones who care about them the most.
- Those experiencing gambling problems report that it affects their overall quality of life. After gambling treatment, they report a 40% increase in their quality of life.
- About 75% of individuals with a gambling problem will also be experiencing some other mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.
- Sadly, 17% of those with a gambling disorder have attempted suicide.
- About 30% of those with a gambling problem will also show significant signs of depression, and almost 20% will report experiencing anxiety.
- Among those with a gambling disorder, 22% are also experiencing problems related to alcohol, non-prescription drugs, or cannabis.
It is important to not trust fabricated online statistics when it comes to gambling. The chances of winning a large sum of money are slim and unfortunately, there are many individuals who suffer greatly when their gambling habits spiral out of control. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and to gamble responsibly.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Although it may appear simple to halt gambling before it escalates into a problem, the impact of gambling on brain chemistry can create difficulties in quitting. Recognizing the indications that problem gambling is emerging is crucial in averting the progression into full-fledged gambling addiction.
Here are some things that could indicate social gambling has turned to problem gambling:
- When gambling is the cause of your financial distress.
- When relationships with your friends and family suffer because of your gambling.
- Finding yourself using gambling as an escape mechanism to relieve boredom or distress.
- Being constantly preoccupied with gambling or spending significant time planning gambling activities and devising ways to obtain more money for gambling.
- Developing a tolerance to gambling that requires more significant amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement or thrill.
- Struggling to control, reduce, or stop gambling despite repeated attempts and unsuccessful outcomes.
- Experiencing restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut back on or abstain from gambling.
- Engaging in desperate attempts to recover lost money by gambling even more (chasing losses).
- Engaging in deception or lying to loved ones or others to conceal the true extent of gambling activities.
- Putting important relationships, employment, education, or career opportunities at risk or losing them entirely due to gambling-related issues.
- Requesting financial assistance from others to resolve dire financial circumstances resulting from excessive gambling.
Take a free, confidential screener for feedback on your gambling habits:
Fact: 90% of Those With a Gambling Problem Never Seek Treatment
Observing gambling problems and disorders is often challenging, and individuals experiencing such issues are frequently unaware of their deteriorating situation. Even if they recognize a problem, many do not perceive their gambling behavior as a genuine addiction. In fact, only a small fraction, approximately 1 out of 10 individuals with gambling concerns, seek professional assistance.
It is crucial to remain vigilant regarding these warning signs, whether in oneself or someone you love and seek support from trusted professionals specialized in gambling addiction, such as those available at The Gambling Clinic. Research indicates that engaging in 8 to 10 sessions with a qualified expert can significantly mitigate problems associated with gambling, develop effective strategies to manage gambling urges, and ultimately reduce the frequency of gambling activities.
Gambling disorders do not have to plague your life. Help is available, and it works. People who complete the treatment program almost completely alleviate their symptoms related to gambling disorders. On average, they exhibit 7 out of a possible nine symptoms at the beginning of treatment and experience near-zero symptoms upon completion.
If you are interested in treatment for gambling addiction or problem gambling, either for you or a loved one, reach out to us at The Gambling Clinic.
How to Gamble Responsibly
Thankfully, the chances of developing a harmful addiction to gambling are relatively low. According to statistical data, only a small percentage, ranging from 3% to 7%, of individuals who gamble experience gambling addiction and gambling-related problems.
The problem is that you don’t know how you will involuntarily react to gambling until you do it the first time. Similar to having that initial alcoholic drink, gambling can elicit involuntary reactions that may reveal an underlying compulsive behavior. For some, recreational gambling remains an enjoyable form of entertainment. However, others may unexpectedly face the devastating consequences of compulsive gambling.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced gambler, practicing responsible gambling is essential. To help you keep gambling enjoyable and avoid developing a gambling addiction, we’ve compiled our top tips for responsible gambling.
Only Spend Disposable Income
When engaging in gambling activities, adhering to the golden rule of using only your disposable income is crucial. This refers to the remaining money after fulfilling your financial obligations and setting aside savings. Remember, consider any losses as the cost of entertainment, while any winnings should be seen as a bonus.
Set Money Limits
To maintain responsible gambling habits, it is essential to establish money limits. Determine the maximum amount you are willing to spend or lose during each gambling session. Setting a budget helps you exercise control over your finances and prevents excessive or impulsive gambling.
Set Time Limits
In addition to monetary boundaries, setting time limits when gambling is equally important. Decide in advance how long you intend to engage in gambling activities. Allocating specific timeframes helps prevent excessive gambling and ensures you maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks during gambling sessions is beneficial for various reasons. It allows you to refresh your mind, reassess your strategies, and prevent impulsive decision-making. Stepping away from the gambling environment can help you maintain focus and avoid becoming emotionally overwhelmed.
Don’t Use Credit Cards or Borrow Money to Gamble
It is strongly advised not to use credit cards or borrow money for gambling to prevent financial difficulties and potential debt. Relying on borrowed funds increases the risk of financial instability and can lead to problematic gambling behaviors. Stick to using only your disposable income. Remember the golden rule: If you don’t have it, don’t spend it.
Don’t Gamble While Intoxicated
Recent research shows that acute alcohol consumption does not seem to cause reckless gambling. Instead, it is people’s expectations about how alcohol affects them that drive them to believe that they are more impulsive or less inhibited when they gamble under the influence.
Despite this, it is not advisable to consume substances like alcohol or drugs while gambling. These substances are known to impair judgment and decision-making abilities, which can result in unwise gambling choices. It is always better to stay sober and clear-headed when participating in gambling.
Don’t Gamble When Upset or Stressed
Gambling should never be used as a means to cope with emotional distress, such as when feeling upset or stressed. Emotions can cloud judgment and influence impulsive actions. It is best to engage in gambling activities when you are in a calm and positive state of mind.
Expect to Lose
Understanding and accepting the odds is vital for responsible gambling. It is important to recognize that losing is a natural part of the gambling experience. Gambling outcomes rely on luck rather than skill, and the odds are typically not in your favor. Maintain realistic expectations and be prepared for both wins and losses.
Conclusion
At The Gambling Clinic, we are not anti-gambling. We maintain a neutral stance towards those that want to frequent casinos and place sports bets, recognizing its potential as a social and entertaining activity. That said, we are advocates of truth. Claims propagated by false headlines or memes, such as “90% of Gamblers Quit Before They Hit It Big,” should be exposed as fabricated for entertainment purposes and well known to be entirely false.
Gamblers need to be informed that regardless of whether they place a single bet or multiple wagers, gambling outcomes are influenced by chance, and there are no guarantees of winning or breaking even. Knowing your true odds and practicing responsible gambling from day one can help you maintain control over your gambling activities and ensure it doesn’t negatively impact other aspects of your life.
Always practice responsible gambling strategies and seek help from trusted professionals if you think your gambling is becoming problematic. The Gambling Clinic has physical clinics in Memphis and Johnson City. People looking for help can visit one of these clinics in person or remotely with a therapist for a telehealth appointment via a secure and confidential version of Zoom.
