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    Home » Gambling Superstitions Around The World
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    Gambling Superstitions Around The World

    • By Priyanka Mehra
    • March 21, 2025
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    Gambling exists in almost every culture in the world, and with it comes a variety of superstitions that gamblers use to bring luck to their side. These superstitions and rituals reflect the cultural, religious, and mystical traditions of different peoples, which not only pay tribute to traditions but are also a way of attaining psychological support that helps players cope with anxiety and feel more confident in their chances of winning, keeping them feeling on the up and up.

    These traditions are important companions in all sorts of games, including:

    • Poker
    • Blackjack
    • Aviator game download
    • Craps
    • Roulette

    Today we will look at the most interesting and common superstitions associated with gambling in different countries of the world.

    Asia

    It is this region of the world where the greatest amount of stigma is associated with gambling. In no other continent has there been so much state opposition to any and all games of chance. Be that as it may, gambling flourishes, as people can’t resist taking the big plunge in the hopes of winning the jackpot. For that reason, the underground gambling industry is absolutely massive, with many people playing in offshore casinos, traveling to gamble, or simply gambling online with a VPN.

    China

    One of the earliest forms of gambling here was dice, which was used for fortune-telling and entertainment. Over time, card games, mahjong, and other types of gambling appeared. In Chinese culture, there are many superstitions in gambling associated with attracting favorable energy.

    Particular numbers also hold a special symbolic meaning:

    • The numbers 8, 2, 9, and 6 are considered the luckiest numbers. In Chinese, 8 sounds similar to the word for “wealth”.
    • The number 4 is avoided because it is associated with the word for “death”.

    Colors too come with their associations:

    • Red: symbolizes luck, happiness, and prosperity. Many players wear red clothes or use red accessories to attract good luck.
    • Green: is associated with growth and stability, but in gambling, its meaning is less pronounced.
    • Black and white: may be associated with negative events, so they try to avoid them.

    Japan

    In Japan, rituals and the use of various talismans come into play in gambling. These beliefs reflect Japanese philosophy, Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and passed-down beliefs.

    Maneki-Neko (a cat waving its paw), a popular cat mascot with a raised paw, is said to attract good luck and wealth. Many Japanese wash their hands or perform other cleansing rituals. This stems from Shinto traditions, where purity of body and spirit is considered important for attracting fortune-filled energies. Before entering a gaming establishment, players also bow to show respect for the spirits of the venue.

    India

    Here, gambling is closely associated with astrology and has been treated with more tolerance than most of Asia. Constellations are of particular importance to superstitious gamblers who often consult astrologers to choose an auspicious time and day to gamble. Thursday is looked at by many as a good day for gambling since it is associated with the god of wealth Kubera, as is Wednesday for Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and bringer of fortune.

    Pre-game rituals include:

    • Prayers to the gods
    • Offerings in the form of flowers, fruits, or sweets.
    • Lighting incense or candles to attract a favorable energy.

    Europe and the West

    Superstitions in Europe and Nordic lands are often associated with the beliefs of pagan ancestors where good and bad luck were perceived as a manifestation of the will of spirits and gods. With the advent of Christianity, many pagan traditions merged with Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity. In stark contrast with Islam and Buddhism, Christianity does not consider gambling inherently wrong.

    • Don’t lend money before playing: This superstition is based on the fact that if you give money to someone before the game, then luck will “go away” with them.
    • Lucky items: Some players carry any lucky objects with them, believing that they bring good luck. The symbol can be anything, for example: coins, animal figurines, t-shirts, or hats.
    • Lucky numbers: The number 7 is considered a number that brings good luck, while 13, on the contrary, is unlucky, therefore players will avoid anything that has anything to do with the number 13.
    • Crossing your fingers: this is particularly common in all kinds of activities, not only gambling. People do this all the time during sporting events, when a loved one is about to perform, or when they’re hoping to call the first “bingo”.

    France

    In France, where card games have a long and interesting history, superstitions are often associated with cards. You cannot play cards at sunset, as this time is considered unlucky. The Ace of Spades is considered a bad luck card and many players try to avoid it.

    Italy

    Superstitions are often associated with numbers and gestures. The number 17 is considered unlucky, since in Roman numerals it is written as XVII, which can be rearranged as VIXI (“I lived” – an allusion to death). Because of this meaning, this number can sometimes be found on tombstones in Italy.

    USA

    Don’t enter the casino from the front door

    This comes from an old Las Vegas tradition where in one of the first casinos gamblers entered via a lion’s mouth. In order to not get eaten by the casino lion, people would enter around the side somewhere else. The tradition stuck.

    Don’t count your money

    It is customary not to count your chips during the game or even immediately after the game. This is mainly since other players may feel bad that they have lost money while you’ve racked it up, but also you are cursing yourself with your pride, as it’s believed.

    Blowing on dice

    A lot of people in USA like to shake dice and blow on them before rolling them, as if breathing luck onto the dice. This is especially popular in craps.

    Australian aboriginal beliefs

    In aboriginal traditions and religion, sacred symbols such as images of animals and birds are used as talismans in addition to Songs and dances before gambling, as it is believed that bright and rhythmic dances attract good luck.

    Modern superstitions

    With the advent of online casinos and digital gambling, superstitions have also adapted to new realities. For example, some modern players believe that fortune comes at a certain time of day.

    Most often this is late at night or early in the morning, but some players also identify other hours in which they are lucky more often than not. Players also consider it important that before playing they need to “cleanse” the device of negative energy by restarting the computer or phone.

    Brazil

    In Brazil, gambling is accompanied by the use of religious amulets and rituals. This could be a figurine of a saint or a religious amulet, such as an icon of Saint Anthony. Before a game, white candles are usually lit to attract good fortune.

    Africa

    In some African cultures, gambling is accompanied by magical rituals. Amulets and special potions are used to strengthen people’s luck. It is not uncommon to encounter fire rituals like lighting a fire before a game to “light” the path to victory.

    Priyanka Mehra
    Priyanka Mehra

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