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Gambling and casino-related games can be found in all corners of the world. And as many types of casino games exist, as many superstitions have permeated the global industry, with gamblers convinced their rituals and tokens can improve their odds of winning.
1. Blow on the Dice
Blowing on the dice is an international superstition that has featured prominently in Hollywood casino movies and series, like Vegas Vacation, Casino, and even an episode of Friends. Many people believe that when they blow on the dice before a round of craps or any other dice game, they will have better luck.
Although the origin of this superstition is still being questioned, many believe it originated from a 1950s movie adaptation of the musical Guys and Dolls. Another origin story states that fraudulent gamblers playing with manipulated dice would blow on their dice to activate a substance that ensures the dice land profitably.
2. Crossing Your Legs
Crossing your legs is a prominent superstition among online gamblers who gamble from home. There are many suspicious online platforms around, which is why consulting a list of safe options is your best bet when gambling from home (no matter which position you want to sit in!). Several cultures believe that crossing your legs while gambling “crosses out” your good luck or prevents positive energy from flowing freely. Some people even report experiencing a losing streak when sitting cross-legged, and it has, therefore, become associated with bad luck.
3. Carrying a Lucky Charm
Gamblers worldwide can be found with lucky charms and tokens tucked away in their pockets. Some popular good luck charms include:
- A four-leaf clover (originating from the Celtic priests in Ireland)
- A rabbit’s foot (from ancient Celtic and “hoodoo” folk beliefs)
- A horseshoe (from Western cultures)
- A jade stone (originating from Chinese culture, where jade is associated with wealth)
- Personal items like clothing items, coins, or lucky rocks.
One unique example of a good luck charm was Johnny Chan’s orange that he carried to each poker game. Chan is a 10-time WSOP champ, so perhaps his orange did bring him some luck.
4. Itchy Palm
Interstingly, having an itchy palm is a superstition in more than one country. An itchy palm in Kenya and some other African nations means you’ll get money anytime soon. Superstitious gamblers in Ireland also believe that when the palm of your hand itches, you’re due for some extra cash.
The trick, however, is not to scratch the itch!
Many take an itchy palm as a sign to head to the casino, as you’re in for some good financial luck, with a winning streak right around the corner.
5. Body Language
Across the world, some gamblers believe that how you sit or stand when you gamble makes a psychological difference in your gambling ability. Several experienced gamblers believe it is weak to sit at a slot machine, opting to take a power stance instead, with some cultures believing that having both feet on the ground has a “grounding” effect. Others feel like when they sit down to gamble, both feet must also be on the floor to improve stability, and therefore confidence and luck.
However, others who get a big payout while sitting may believe it was their behind on the chair that secured their win, and they will keep the same body position each time they play.
6. Personal Rituals
Superstitious beliefs can also take the shape of a personal ritual, with each gambler having their little routine that they perform before or during their time at the casino, believing it brings them luck and success.
These rituals are not limited to specific regions or countries, and can include:
- Stacking your chips in a specific order.
- Chanting a personal mantra before you gamble.
- Tapping on the slot machine before placing your bet.
- Drinking a specific drink for the duration of your time at the casino.
One famous and slightly bizarre ritual is that of Daniel Negreanu, two-time WSOP championship winner, who binge-watches all the Rocky movies before the tournament to get into that “I can’t be defeated” mindset.
7. Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
The number 13 is considered unlucky in most Western and some Eastern countries, even outside of the casino doors. Some resorts don’t have a 13th floor so as to avoid bad luck. In Chinese culture, the number 4 is associated with death and is typically avoided when gambling or playing the lottery.
On the other hand, in many Asian countries, the number 8 is considered good luck, while the same goes for the number 7 in the West. If you are mildly superstitious it is best to keep these numbers in mind, especially when playing roulette or the lotto.
8. Wear Red Clothes
Wearing red is a superstition that crosses borders but is especially popular in China and Vietnam. Red is considered the symbol of good fortune and attracting luck, which is why many gamblers in these Asian nations can be seen wearing various shades of red. Studies have also found that at the roulette wheel, many bettors appear to bet on red more often, indicating this superstitious belief.
9. Whistling
Most US casinos don’t allow whistling on the casino floor. Although this is because it is disruptive to other players, it is also tied to a fascinating superstition that emerged from British sailors. These sailors believed that while at sea, whistling would bring about storms and rough seas. Gamblers have adapted this belief to suit their needs, saying that when you whistle, you blow away your luck.
10. Not Counting Money
Ever heard the popular saying “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”? Well, this saying has been twisted to casino terms, with the superstition going something like “Don’t count your money before you win”.
The superstition goes that if you count your money or chips while sitting at the table, you’re more likely to lose it or suffer a streak of bad luck. In The Gambler, Kenny Rogers even sang, “You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table. There’ll be time enough for counting when the dealing’s done”.
11. Skip the Front Entrance
This is one of the stranger superstitions on the list, and is common among North American gamblers. Many people are convinced that they will not be as successful if they enter a casino through the front doors and are less likely to win.
It originated in Las Vegas’s MGM casino, where the entrance doors were shaped like a lion’s mouth. People avoided this entrance when they could, feeling like they were “walking into the mouth of the beast,” where a curse would be placed on them.
Others feel that entering through the main doors means they have to pass by people leaving (many of whom have probably lost some money) and that their bad luck will rub off on those about to start gambling.
12. Change Seats
Have you ever noticed people walking around the blackjack table, or walking with purpose between the slot machines? These players likely believe that they have a favorite chair somewhere on the floor, or that a specific seat is considered bad luck.
Gamblers who suffer repeat losses in the same chair might start considering the chair itself to be the cause of their downfall. They’ll switch seats in an attempt to turn their luck around, shaking off the negative energy that was clinging to them at the first seat.
This is not just a superstition, either. Many gamblers don’t even realize they’re doing this, but they’ll get up and move to a different table or machine if they haven’t won in a while.
13. Don’t use a $50 Bill
This typical American superstition occurs when superstitious gamblers refuse to gamble with any $50 bills. There are several theories about the origin of this belief, with the most common one being that mafia gangsters used to kill their victims and stick a $50 note into the victim’s pocket as a warning to others. As expected, $50 bills quickly became associated with bad omens.
Gamblers therefore opt to rather play with $100 bills, feeling like they’re more likely to get lucky.
