Gamblers have always been superstitious people. Many of the top gambling superstitions have become part of the culture. Lucky seven and unlucky 13 are the two most common numbers mentioned within the US, but every country has its own variations.
Whether playing in online or land-based casinos, you’ll likely come across several superstitions. Maybe you also believe in several of the most common superstitions when playing at some of the top casinos, such as www.skycitycasino.com.
Here are some of the top superstitions within the world of gambling:
Good luck charms
Some gamblers perform rituals before starting a session. This could include wearing a piece of lucky clothing, blowing on the dice, or kissing the dice before throwing. It’s not uncommon to find gamblers chanting mantras as the slot machine reels spin.
Like the gambler’s fallacy, many players believe that these rituals increase the chances of them winning. For many of these gamers, good luck charms also provide them with comfort as they play.
Lucky numbers
Briefly touching back upon lucky numbers, these are some of the oldest superstitions around. Some gamblers believe that they have lucky numbers, whereas others are unlucky.
Thirteen is perhaps the unluckiest number in the world. In Chinese culture, for example, it’s considered so unlucky that many apartment buildings won’t actually have a 13th floor.
Of course, many gamblers develop their own numbers based on previous experiences.
Counting money at the table
Kenny Rogers brought this superstition into the mainstream with his famous song, The Gambler.
In the category of gaming, counting money at the table isn’t just considered to be unlucky, it’s also considered to be bad casino etiquette. Most casino guides agree that counting money at the table should only be done after the game is finished.
The one exception to this rule is poker, where knowing how much you have in the bank will determine your strategy moving forward.
Lucky colors
Certain colors may also be seen as lucky or unlucky. The Chinese, for example, believe that red is the luckiest color of all. It’s believed within Chinese culture that red brings good fortune, which is why gifts are often presented in red-colored paper or envelopes.
The idea that red is lucky has extended beyond Asia and it’s not uncommon for gamblers to wear a piece of red attire, such as red underwear.
Crossing your legs
Horseshoes and rabbits’ feet are some of the most common good luck charms. But perhaps the strangest gambling superstition of all is the idea that crossing your legs at the table will bring bad luck.
When players are at the table, you’ll notice that they typically avoid crossing their legs for any reason. Many of the more superstitious gamblers believe that this simple act can spark a losing streak.
Averting your eyes
The old saying goes that if you avert your eyes, you win the prize. Gamblers believe in this superstition because the outcome of a reel spin or the roll of a dice is entirely out of their hands. Instead, they decide to take this literally.
By averting their eyes, gamblers believe that focusing their attention elsewhere will make it more likely that they’ll get the good fortune they need to succeed.
Well-groomed gamblers are luckier
It’s not out of the ordinary to see snappy dressers at the casino. A suit and tie were always the traditional attire for a night at the casino. Indian gamblers take this extremely seriously.
The belief is that well-groomed gamblers are luckier because Lady Luck is more likely to honor them with a win. Visit a casino on the subcontinent and you’ll rarely see anyone not dressed their best.
Books and bad luck
In another superstition from traditional Chinese culture, gamblers who adhere to this superstition believe that if a book is present in the vicinity of a table, they’re guaranteed to lose.
The origin of this superstition is the Chinese language itself. The word for book is ‘shu’ and the word for lose is ‘shiqu’. When said aloud, these words sound remarkably similar, hence where the belief originates.
Conclusion
There’s no evidence to show that any of these superstitions have any influence on any casino game, online or offline. Instead, these superstitions have been passed down and many professional gamblers rely on them.
Other gamblers tend to base their decisions on hard numbers, especially in the realm of poker. Relying on their skill and knowledge of the game, they have done away with myths and legends entirely.
What’s the weirdest gambling superstition you’ve heard of?