10 Quirky Gambling Superstitions

Dive into the world of gambling with these ten quirky superstitions that players swear by. From lucky charms to color choices, discover the fascinating rituals that gamblers adopt in the hopes of increasing their luck and chances of winning.

Whether it’s a matter of tradition or belief, these practices add an intriguing layer to the gambling experience.

1. Lucky Charms and Rituals: Many gamblers won’t hit the casino floor without their lucky charms, such as rabbit’s feet, four-leaf clovers, or even specific items of clothing believed to bring good fortune.
2. Crossing Fingers or Legs: Players often cross their fingers for good luck when placing bets, but surprisingly, crossing your legs while making a bet is considered to bring bad luck.
3. Avoiding the Main Entrance: Some believe entering a casino through the main entrance is unlucky. This superstition stems from the notion that passing through the mouth of a giant lion—a common design in the past—was bad luck.
4. Unlucky Numbers: The number 13 is notoriously avoided for its bad luck association in many cultures, but in gambling, especially in Asian cultures, the number 4 is also avoided due to its similarity to the word for “death” in several Asian languages.
5. Lucky Colors: Red is considered an extremely lucky color in many Asian cultures. Gamblers often wear red underwear or clothing when heading to gamble to attract good luck.
6. Counting Money at the Table: It’s considered bad luck to count your money while still sitting at the gambling table. This superstition is also a matter of etiquette, suggesting it’s better to wait until the game is over to see what you’ve won or lost.
7. Don’t Use the Front Door: Stemming from a belief that luck can escape through the casino’s main entrance, some players choose alternative entrances to avoid losing their good fortune.
8. Throwing Coins into a Fountain: Some casinos have fountains, and tossing a coin into them before playing is thought to improve your odds of winning.
9. Avoiding $50 Bills: In the United States, gamblers often refuse to use $50 bills. This is believed to stem from mobsters tucking $50 bills into the jackets of victims they buried in the desert.
10. Blowing on Dice: A common ritual in dice games like craps is blowing on the dice before rolling. This act is thought to bring luck and is one of the most iconic gambling superstitions.