October is full of tricks and surprises. While haunted houses and spooky stories can be fun, gambling myths can sometimes lead players to misunderstand how lottery games really work.

Many players have heard advice from friends, family members, or fellow players about "lucky" retailers, numbers that are "due," or strategies that supposedly improve their chances of winning. While these beliefs are common, they are myths, not facts. Understanding how lottery games work can help you make informed decisions, set realistic expectations, and keep play positive and entertaining.

The Myth of "Due" Numbers

Have you ever heard someone say, "That number hasn't been drawn in a while. It's due to come up soon"?

This is a myth.

Lottery drawings are random and independent events. The numbers drawn in previous drawings have no influence on the numbers drawn in future drawings. Every eligible number has the same chance of being selected in every drawing, regardless of what happened before. This misconception is known as the Gambler's Fallacy. It is the mistaken belief that past results affect future outcomes in games of chance. 

The Myth of the "Lucky" Retailer

Some players believe certain retailers are luckier than others because they have sold winning tickets in the past.

While it may seem that way, the truth is that no retailer can improve your odds of winning. Where a ticket is purchased has no impact on the outcome.

In some cases, larger retailers may sell more winning tickets simply because they sell more tickets overall. However, every ticket has the same chance of winning regardless of where it was purchased.

The Myth That More Tickets Guarantee a Win

Another common misconception is that buying more tickets guarantees a win. Additional tickets provide additional chances to win, but they do not change the odds associated with each ticket. Lottery games are games of chance, and every ticket remains subject to the same odds of winning. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about lottery play.

Gambling Myth or Fact Quiz 

Understanding lottery odds and recognizing common gambling myths can help you make informed decisions and enjoy lottery games for what they are – entertainment.

This October, test your knowledge by identifying a myth or fact. Beginning at 7:00 PM (ET) on Monday, October 19, the first 500 myLOTTERY players who participate in our Gambling Myth or Fact Quiz will receive a $1 Scratch-off coupon. To participate, simply open the Hoosier Lottery app, sign in to your myLOTTERY account, and complete the quiz. If you’re one of the first 500 participants to complete the quiz, you’ll receive an email with your $1 Scratch-off coupon.

Don't let gambling myths fool you. Visit our Positive Play webpage to learn more about how lottery odds work, explore our Positive Play tools, and access educational resources designed to support informed play. When you know the facts, you're less likely to be tricked by the myths.