You might have noticed that gamblers are a superstitious bunch. From observing old beliefs to following rituals, a lot of punters would do just about anything to make sure they are drawing in positive energies that they think will translate into big wins.
Some of these superstitions and rituals have been around for centuries and while there is no quantifiable data that proves they work, there’s no harm in knowing what they are and seeing if they’re useful. Casino Days India has listed them below to help you in your casino gaming journey.
Popular superstitions observed by gamblers
People from all over the world follow different superstitions with various purposes, most of them rooted in different cultural traditions or individual experiences that dictate how they see parts of the world. Gamblers are the same way, so here are some of the biggest superstitions that they believe:
Crossed legs are bad luck
One of the most popular and oddest superstitions that gamblers avoid is crossing their legs when playing. The origin of this belief is unclear, however, it is believed that crossing your legs means closing yourself off from receiving good fortune.
Summon good luck by crossing your fingers
One common gesture you’ll come across, even outside of playing casino games, are crossed fingers. It likely comes from pagan beliefs that predate Christianity. According to stories, it is believed that good spirits convened at the intersection of crosses. Thus, people would make the hand gesture to make wishes in the hopes of them coming true.
Lucky 7
A number you’ll often see at casinos is the number 7, especially when playing slot games. It is seen as a lucky number likely due to it being associated with things that come in seven such as the days of the week, seven seas, seven wonders of the world and many others.
It is also included in many myths and folklore. For example, in Irish versions, it is believed that the seventh son of a seventh son will be given special powers that can be used either for good or evil.
The number also appears in several religious beliefs. In the Christian bible, it is said that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. There are seven heavens in both Islam and Judaism. And in Buddhism, it is said that Buddha took 7 steps after his birth.
As you can see, the number seven is familiar regardless of where you are in the world. The familiarity with the number and the largely positive connotation with it is likely the reason why it’s considered to be lucky.
Unlucky number 13
If there’s a lucky number, it’s no surprise that there’s also an unlucky number that gamblers try to avoid. It comes in the form of the number 13. Like most superstitions, you’ll find that it also has religious roots. During the Last Supper in the Christian bible, Jesus dined with his 12 disciples on the night before he was arrested. Judas, the disciple who betrayed him, was the 13th to join the table.
Four-leaf clover
Clover leaves have been among the many casino symbols for a long time. However, its variation, the four-leaf clover, is a rarity. There is a 1 to 10,000 chance of finding a four-leaf clover.
Celtic Druids from olden times considered four-leaf clovers as charms, using them as protection from evil and to ward off bad luck. Nowadays, it largely represents hope, love, and luck, so it’s no wonder many gamblers remain attached to the idea that it will bring them good fortune.
Itchy hands tell your fortune
It turns out that itchy hands can mean either good or bad luck, depending on which hand itches. This comes as a common superstition in Europe. If your left palm is itchy, it means you’re due for a big payout soon. However, if it is the right hand, then prepare yourself because you’re about to lose some money.
Commonly practised gambling rituals
Aside from observing superstitions, many gamblers also follow rituals they believe will improve their luck and claim more wins. It can vary from person to person but here are the most common rituals that are commonly practised:
Anything red is good
Red is considered a lucky colour by gamblers and wearing or carrying any item that comes in the colour red is seen as bringing prosperity. In Asian countries such as China, the colour is believed to bring wealth and prosperity, thus why it is often worn specifically when gambling.
Rabbit Foot
Many gamblers carry a rabbit’s foot, particularly the left one, as a good luck charm or amulet. The belief that it carries good luck is accepted in Europe, America, China and Africa. This practice came from the Celts who believed that rabbits communicated with gods and spirits because they spent so much time underground.
Wearing good luck charms
Good luck charms can vary in form and their value is often dictated by how significant it is to the owner. It is any item that you associate with good fortune, it can be lucky underwear, a bracelet, rings, or any item you might often wear that can steer lady luck’s attention to you.
Should you follow these gambling rituals?
Considering how gambling games are largely won through luck, it is no wonder that gamblers are extremely superstitious. Some of these beliefs and rituals seem a bit absurd, others outdated, but they’re no less fascinating to learn about.
There is no way to know whether these superstitions are true and whether following gambling rituals will bring good luck.
However, Casino Days India believes that as long as they are harmless, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with observing these superstitions and using them in the chance that they can help you gain more wins.