Wow! It’s a strange world, isn't it?
Most folks might scoff at superstitions, but when it comes to gambling, even the skeptics are suddenly carrying the lucky charm and knocking on wood. Gambling brings out a ritualist in all of us. All around the globe, you’ll find a boatload of quirky beliefs and customs means to tip the odds in your favor.
During games, world-famous athletes often rely on their strangest lucky charms or rituals. Jason Terry wears five pairs of socks, Eva Samkova sports a fake mustache, Big Mac has his magic cup, and Lam Oldom is the Candyman.
As humans, we rely on hope and when it comes to gambling luck plays a big part. So, watching gamblers wearing lucky charms and believing in superstitions is no surprise. Still, it all depends on how enthusiastic you are about winning.
According to research “Problem gamblers believe in superstitions more than non-problem gamblers, and these beliefs are linked to how much they gamble.”
So why are gamblers so superstitious and what are some superstitions existing in the gambling world — let’s dive into the article to find out.
Gamblers are high priests of superstitions. They cling to quirky rituals like sitting in a “lucky” seat or avoiding a particular number, convinced that these odd habits can magically alter their fate. They often come from our natural habit of looking for patterns and reasons behind random events.
Whether it’s wearing a certain color or a “winning” bracelet, these beliefs give them a comforting illusion of control especially when the stakes are high and results are unpredictable.
In Chinese culture, gamblers favor “8” for luck and avoid “4” due to its similarity to the word death. In Western culture, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky while “7” is taken as the winning number.
These superstitions vary across different cultures. A study of 323 casino-goers in South Korea found that American gamblers are more superstitious than Japanese ones, with Chinese and Americans sharing similar superstitious patterns.
So, what are these superstitions anyway?
Let's explore which superstitions gamblers swear by.
Crossing your legs while gambling is a one-way ticket to the city of Bad Luck. Though it could be more of a myth with unclear origins for die-hard gamblers, crossing legs — a big no!.
Most people crossing your legs at the table or slots blocks your good luck like a stubborn cork in a champagne bottle. While others believe that it is more of a psychological thing.
Standing or sitting without crossing your legs opens up your mind and allows more stability during the game. Whatever the reason, crossing legs don't look cool anyway.
You have probably seen this both in movies and real casinos — blowing on dice for good luck. But do you know how it all started? The backstory is more amusing than mysterious.
Originally, street gamblers blew on their dice to clean off dust and grim. When casinos came along, this habit stuck around and evolved into a sacred ritual. So, next time you’re playing craps, don’t forget to clean blow on your dice!
There’s a good old saying: Don't count your chickens before they’re hatched — well it works the same in gambling. Counting your winning while you’re still at the table is not only considered unethical by opponents but also brings bad luck. You might end up losing your newfound fortune before you’ve even had a chance to celebrate.
Gamblers often wear red — whether it’s a cap, shirt or jacket — believing it enhances their luck. In Chinese culture, red represents power, wealth, and good fortune. Some even bet on red at the tables, hoping that the color’s luck would extend to their bets. Essentially, if you spot someone in red, they’re either banking on its good fortune or have a very coordinated wardrobe strategy.
Oh, this one’s a classic — and it’s a real winner…or loser, depending on which hand it is. If your left-hand itches while you're gambling, brace yourself for a potential loss — it’s like your hand’s way of telling you “Hey, your opponent’s about to clean you out!”
On the other hand, if it’s your right-hand itching, consider it a sign that luck is about to swing in your favor. So, if that left hand starts acting up, it might be time for a little break — or a hand massage.
When you’re on a hot streak, you’ll stick to that lucky spot like it’s your favorite chair at home. But if you hit a losing streak, that seat might as well be cursed. It’s all about the magic seat, whether you’re riding high or trying to change seats that’s particularly become a bad luck zone.
Wearing a lucky or keeping one close is supposed to boost your good luck. Whether it’s your lucky cap you wear to every game or a bracelet your grandma gave you for your 21st birthday — carry whatever makes you feel lucky. In gambling, you’ll need all the luck you can get.
Some gamblers believe that changing your positions will mess up luck. If you started the game with a standing stance, keep standing during the entire game (for slots) or if you chose a sitting position (table games), don’t bother getting up till the game is finished.
If you think you're running outta luck, check out these few lucky charms that may work for you.
The four-leaf clover is a rare find, with only 1 in 5078 chance, and is considered super lucky — symbolizing hope, faith, love and luck. Its ties to Irish tradition and the Christian Holy Trinity have made it a popular theme in online gambling games.
The lucky horseshoe legend started with St.Dunstan tricking the devil. Now, people believe an upward-facing horseshoe collects luck, while a downward might let it slip away or shower you with it. Most folks hang in it U-shape to gather all the good luck and enhance their chances of winning.
Some gamblers are often seen carrying a lucky coin that they believe brings good luck.
Elephants are seen as symbols of strength, wisdom, and good luck while elephants with their trunks raised are considered extra lucky.
This gemstone, with its cool cat-eye effect, is a go-to for gamblers because it’s believed to ward off negative energy and bring in luck and financial stability.
Three-Legged Toad aka Jin Chan or Chan Chu, this Feng Shui charm is a three-legged toad with red eyes and a coin in its mouth. According to legends, it brings good news and attracts money. So, why not give it a shot?
The rabbit’s foot is a popular lucky charm in many cultures around the world. It’s believed to bring good fortune, especially if it's the left hind foot of a rabbit killed under specific conditions, like during a full moon. Nowadays, it’s sold as keychains and other trinkets, but its magic is really about what you believe.
Losing a streak at a casino can be really frustrating and make you doubt your luck and skill. But don’t worry — there are ways to turn things around.
Before you hit the casino, give yourself a leg up with some pre-game rituals. Take a minute to meditate or imagine hitting it big, toss out affirmations like “I am a lucky genius”, and set goals like “Have fun and win big”. To keep your wallet happy, budget wisely and set limits — no one wants to blow their rent money on a hot streak.
Stay cool-headed, dodge emotional bets, and learn the game rules by heart. With these tricks up your sleeves, you might turn your luck around and have a blast while you’re at it.
Now you know what superstitions dominate the gambling world. Whether it’s relying on lucky charms or adhering to quirky rituals, gamblers will go to great lengths to boost their winnings.
Each culture brings its own set of superstitions, and you might have your own lucky charm or winning routine. However, remember that your gambling skills will ultimately determine your success. So, while you’re busy keeping a Laughing Buddha nearby, make sure to sharpen your strategies and stick to your budget.
With a bit of skill and a touch of luck, you’ll be on your way to a big win!
