Whether it’s casino games or sports betting, players have always looked at ways of giving themselves a perceived advantage.
For many players, this includes adhering to acts which align with their superstitions. Certain superstitions may just be individual traits, but others are more universally ingrained within the culture of a country itself.
With research from Dream Jackpot, we explore superstitious beliefs of gamblers from around the world, including a very strange Italian ritual.
Red Is Favored But 4 Is Feared In China
In Chinese culture, red is considered a lucky color, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Many gamblers wear red clothing or accessories when visiting casinos, believing it will bring them success. Additionally, the number four is avoided at all costs, as its pronunciation in Mandarin and Cantonese is similar to the word for “death.” Many Chinese players refuse to sit at a table with the number four or place bets associated with it.
Americans Blow On Dice But Think 50-Dollar Bills Are Unlucky
One of the most famous gambling superstitions in the U.S. is blowing on dice before rolling them, a practice popularized by movies and casino lore. Players believe this brings good luck and improves their chances of rolling favorable numbers.
Another well-known superstition is avoiding $50 bills, which some gamblers believe bring bad luck. This stems from the historical
rumor that mobsters used to place $50 bills in the pockets of those they eliminated.
Crossing Legs & Counting Money Is Avoided In Japan
Japanese gamblers adhere to certain superstitions to avoid bad luck. One common belief is that crossing one’s legs while gambling will “cross out” good luck, making it harder to win.
Another superstition discourages counting money while gambling, as it is thought to invite bad fortune
and distract from the game at hand.
In Russia It’s Lucky To Sit Quietly Pre-Game
Russians have an interesting pre-gambling ritual: before heading to the casino, some gamblers sit down quietly for a moment to reflect, believing this brings good luck.
Conversely, whistling indoors is seen as bad luck, as it is thought to blow away one’s fortune. Many Russian gamblers avoid whistling in casinos to prevent any loss of potential winnings.
Touching a Hunchback Is Believed To Bring Good Luck To Italians
This is definitely the strangest superstition on this list! In Italy, touching a hunchback really is believed to bring good luck, a superstition that has extended into gambling culture. Some Italian gamblers seek out hunchbacked individuals before placing bets, hoping to absorb some of their luck.
Additionally, many Italian gamblers carry a cornicello, or horn-shaped amulet, to ward off bad luck and negative energy.
UK Players Keep Lucky Coins To Attract Fortune
British gamblers often carry a lucky coin in their pockets, believing it helps attract good fortune.
Another popular superstition is avoiding wearing new shoes to a casino, as new shoes are thought to bring bad luck and lead to losing streaks.
Why Superstitions & Rituals Are Important To Players?
Whether or not these superstitions hold any real power, they remain important to players who see them as a big part of their gambling personality. While luck is unpredictable, the rituals and beliefs of gamblers continue to shape the way people approach betting.
Do you have any gambling superstitions you swear by?
