to settle everyday disputes – from chores to takeaways.
A poll of 2,000 adults found they most commonly flip a coin to help decide who goes first in a game or activity (31 per cent) – a method used ahead of other classics such as rock, paper, scissors or rolling a dice.
But 25 per cent of flippers have let the coin decide what they watch on TV.
Who does the washing up or puts the bins out (both 17 per cent), and even which family member gets the front seat in the car (15 per cent) also featured among the everyday dilemmas that leave people reaching for a trusty penny.
It was revealed 11 per cent admit they rely on chance at least once a week to break a deadlock.
While 26 per cent confessed they secretly hope the coin will land the wrong way because it helps confirm what they really wanted to do in the first place.
Heads was the most popular side to choose, with 44 per cent usually opting for it and only 19 per cent regularly picking tails – with 31 per cent changing based on their mood.
The research was commissioned by Foxy, which has teamed with Denise Van Outen and Duncan James to face a series of challenges where their fate is decided by a coin flip.
Sara Jolly from the online gaming site, said: “The age-old coin flip is still going strong in today’s society, and the research has proved it.
“For centuries, people have turned to a quick flick of a coin to make life’s little choices easier, from who takes out the bins to who gets the front seat.”
The poll also found 49 per cent consider a coin flip to be a fair way to settle a dispute.
Although 37 per cent of those who have tossed a coin to come to an agreement, ended up disagreeing with its ruling.
And only 84 per cent truly believe the flipping of a coin is truly ‘random’, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
And if they didn’t like the way it came out, 39 per cent will simply flip again until they get the outcome they truly want.
Sara Jolly from the online gaming site, which has recently launched its Foxy Dollars, added: “Life is full of little choices and sometimes it’s fun to add a playful twist.
“We encourage people to ‘get their Fox on’ and use a coin flip to bring entertainment and spontaneity to everyday moments and routine decisions.”
TOP 20 DISPUTES PEOPLE SETTLE WITH A COIN FLIP:
Who goes first in a game or activity
What to watch on TV
Which takeaway to order
What board game / video game to play
Who gets control of the TV remote
Which film to watch at the cinema
Who is doing the washing up
Who takes the bins out
Who gets the last slice / piece of food
Whose turn it is to choose a family activity
Which family member gets front seat in the car
Whose turn it is to make the tea
Which shop to go to
Who walks the dog
Whether to go out to the party
What playlist / music to put on
Which route to take when travelling
Whether to head out on a trip for the weekend
Who showers first in the morning
Who’s up first with the karaoke mic