Casino hallways have always been shrouded in superstitious beliefs, especially from players’ points of view. Naturally, there are several myths about gameplay and outcomes at the heart of every major competitive sport. Globally, gamblers are not exempt from this, frequently relying on their innate beliefs as a kind of surety cushion during uncertain times.
From traditional casino establishments to iGaming platforms like ICECasino online, gambling rituals and beliefs have a strong role to play in the overall gaming climate around the world. However cynical these beliefs may seem, many players globally have become subservient to them. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover them.
Why Are Gamblers Superstitious?
Bettors have been known to be deeply rooted in mythical beliefs. But where does this strong inclination toward superstitious notions stem from?
- High impulsivity: Players frequently act without giving their actions much thought. Far be it for us to offend our readers, but bettors are people who occasionally react to their emotions before their rationale. In this case, such an aspect of their nature pushes them into old beliefs.
- The illusion of control: Bettors always seek to gain control, and these myths give them exactly that in a field that is highly hinged on lucky outcomes.
- Winning anticipation: Gamblers are inherently competitive human beings who will cling to any hope that they have won. Oftentimes, this hope comes in the form of some inherent beliefs.
Gambling Myths and Traditions
Check out our list of casino superstitions and try to understand why casino players are hooked on them.
Lucky Numbers
Many players you will meet will confirm that they have lucky numbers to play with. This belief stems from the notion that the chosen number will spur them to success. In the West, the number 7 is usually considered lucky by many. In Far Eastern cultures, the lucky number is usually c 8. The number 13 is also believed to be an unlucky number in many societies, so many gamers tend to avoid it.
Lucky Colors
Certain colors are considered luckier than others in certain societies. In Chinese culture, for example, red is perceived as auspicious, hence obtaining the tag as the luckiest color. As such, this fact manifests itself in the Chinese gambling industry, with players preferring to wear the color red for good luck and prosperity.
Counting Money at the Table
Many casino gaming enthusiasts hold the belief that it is bad luck to count their money at the table. Although this is a widely held misconception, it served as the foundation for a respectable casino table gaming practice that has been upheld for a long time.
The Gambler’s Fallacy
Arguably one of wagering’s longest-held misconceptions, this fallacy presents itself with players believing that their previous results in a game will ultimately influence future outcomes in the same game. For example, if a bettor has lost three times in a row, they may believe their next wager will be successful. Others, however, will take this as a sign that they are on a losing streak.
Cold and Hot Slot Machines
Some players believe in the theory of hot and slot machines, both for brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Hot machines are on a winning streak, while cold machines are on a losing streak. So, players tend to look for these hot machines that they believe will place them in a strong winning position, all the while neglecting the cold machines that they believe put them at a disadvantage.
Online Slots Are Rigged
A modern myth postulates that online slots are always geared to make the gamer lose. There’s little to suggest that there’s any truth to this assumption, though. Most, if not all, modern spinners are run with the help of Random Number Generator Software (RNG), which provides a guarantee of arbitrary outcomes. This ensures that fairness is maintained in the outcomes of the games.
Personal Rituals
Some gamers practice their minute rituals that they believe will bring them good luck. Most of these rituals happen right before they place their wagers. Things like crossing fingers before placing a wager, verbally calling out numbers or cards, or carrying a lucky charm enhance players’ confidence in their ability to register wins.
An Added Layer of Excitement to Gaming
Superstitions are part and parcel of most facets of our day-to-day lives. Although there is no evidence to support their existence, encouraging players to hold onto the hope that they will succeed greatly increases their enjoyment of casino games. So, whether you’re a believer in these notions or not, remember that gambling is a game largely determined by strategy and luck or a mixture of the two.