Do you have any personal gambling superstitions? Luck is historically tied to culture. Throughout the history of mankind, we can find signs of good luck and bad fortune.
Its just human nature to believe that certain superstitions can affect your chances of winning. Apparently strange rituals and beliefs do not stop just because we are gambling at sea.
Let’s take a look at the most common bad omens you might hear, see or experience when playing your favorite casino game.
- Unlucky #13
Western culture associates the number 13 with Friday 13th. Throughout history this number has been frowned upon. The horror movies obviously did not help! Even the bible has a problem with poor number 13. In the bible the Last Supper is said to have had 13 guests with the 13th being Judas, who eventually betrayed Jesus.
- Crossing Your Legs
Never cross your legs while sitting at a table game or slot machine. You are blocking the good luck from coming your way! It’s also hurting the circulation to your legs but that is an entirely different story.
- Never Count Your Chips or Money at the Table
Some people refuse to take ‘inventory’ of their chips while playing. Maybe this signifies overconfidence or greed? No idea. I guess people that are superstitious would rather be surprised about their wealth or poverty status!
- Itchy Hands
This one is tricky. Some European cultures say that an itchy palm is a sign that you are about to lose money. The problem is that other cultures think that an itchy palm means that good luck is coming your way! Bottom line is that its probably better to not be itchy at all.
- Entering the Casino Through the Front Door
Why is the front entrance bad news? Supposedly you are getting the bad vibes of all the people that are racing for the exit after losing all their money. The real question is where do all the winners go?
- Lending Money to Another Person in the Casino
Ok, this recognized bad omen is completely opposite of ‘paying it forward’. Outside the casino we are taught that helping others generates positive karma. In the casino we are apparently told to hold onto our money very tightly. Never let a ‘lesser’ gambler get near your bankroll! What if the person is far luckier than you??
- Avoid Using $50 Bills in the Casino
Personally, I really like a big stack of $50 bills. However, counterfeit $50’s were a big problem in the United States a few decades ago. The more colorful reason for the $50 avoidance stems from an old Vegas Mafia tradition that had their enemies supposedly buried in the Nevada desert with a $50 bill stuck in the poor soul’s pocket. The moral of the story is that you should be very nervous if a stranger shoves a new $50 bill in your jacket pocket!
- Absolutely No Whistling While Gambling
We strongly endorse the banning of loud whistlers at our roulette table. This annoying habit brings bad luck merely because we can’t concentrate on the game! Historically, sailors thought whistling brought heavy winds and severe storms. Joe Public whistling while seated next to me just might unleash a different type of storm!
- No Book Readers Allowed
We are all for literacy but not while actively playing in the casino. This is another Chinese based superstition that comes from the sound of the words ‘book’ and ‘lose’. In the Chinese language these words are apparently similar. We will take this at face value and find another seat when the latest mystery novel is cracked open at the Blackjack table.
All this negative energy. Let’s take a look at some positive superstitions.
- Itchy Right Palm
We have already ‘handled’ the terrible left hand scratch. Let’s celebrate the crazy good luck that will follow an itchy right palm!
- Blow on those Dice
You can thank the 1955 movie ‘Luck Be A Lady’ for popularizing the custom of blowing o the dice before throwing them against the back wall of the craps table. Remember, pine tar is not allowed in craps or baseball!
- Wearing Red to the Casino
Wearing the color red to the casino attracts good luck and lots of chips. Red hats, shirts, dresses and ties supposedly act like a magnet for money. It’s the exact opposite if you speed down the highway with a red sports car!
- Bring your Lucky Charm
Stuffed animals, rocks, fossils or coins are just some of the lucky items that gamblers bring to the casino. Sometimes its that lucky shirt or jewelry that brings a hard 8 or a mega slot jackpot.
- Sit or Stand Properly at the Casino
After you experience a big win, many people feel that they must duplicate the same routine over and over. Sitting, standing or a certain posture cannot vary if you want the same great result!
- Personal Good Luck Rituals
Gamblers have their own rituals that become part of the casino experience for decades. Blowing on dice, touching the slot machine screen, crossing your fingers, stacking chips in a specific way…
- Lucky numbers and Colors
Playing your birthday, anniversary or jersey number might be the luck changer at the roulette wheel. Chinese culture believes that the number 8 is lucky while most Western and Asian cultures always think of ‘7’ as the holy grail for gamblers. Whatever your lucky number is we can definitely say that you should stick with it.
- Unlucky in Love Might Mean Lucky in the Casino
This stems from the phrase “unlucky in love, lucky in cards.” I think this goes against our personal motto of ‘having it all’! However, we might have some knowledge of drowning heartbreak by visiting the casino for a few hours.
- Sex Before Gambling
This is the only item on the good luck list that I am actively researching. We are seeking government grant money to do a long-term study on the subject. Applications are forthcoming.
- Emotional Support Animals
I love dogs but I am not sure what a chihuahua thinks about hitting a soft 17 against a dealer 6. I personally would be in favor a bulldog accompanying me to the baccarat table.
Before my next cruise I will be packing an extra suitcase filled with four leaf clovers and red underwear. Cross your fingers and wish me luck.