David Morey 
Gambling has existed for centuries in different forms, and even ancient people used to enjoy the early prototypes of modern games. Despite the thrill of uncertainty, this entertainment was strongly driven by beliefs in fate and a divine force. Considering that there was always something magical surrounding gambling activities, it’s not surprising that this activity was surrounded by superstitions and rituals. In the 2020s, when players are already aware of how casino mechanics work, there is nothing but common beliefs. However, revealing these secrets is exciting and even sometimes funny, so take a look at some rituals from various regions.
China: Lucky Seats and the Power of Red
Currently, gambling activities are prohibited across Mainland China, excluding Macau, which is a well-known casino centre. However, as the Chinese civilization was developing, people enjoyed different forms of this activity. Since ancient times, the state has had one of the richest superstition-driven gambling cultures, influenced heavily by numerology, Taoist beliefs, and ancestral traditions. Many people believe that betting on the number 4 brings bad luck, so they always avoid it in casinos. On the contrary, 8 is synonymous with prosperity.
Local gamblers have their own rituals they never skip before risking their personal funds. For instance, tapping the seat before joining the table to chase bad spirits away is a popular solution to bring good luck. Although there’s no relevant evidence that this system works, some Chinese still prefer to stick to this superstition to avoid negative consequences.
Japan: The Pachinko Warm-Up
As well as in China, real-money gambling is banned in Japan. However, local players find a way out of this problem by engaging in Pachinko. One of the strangest rituals was established here: participants always warm up the machine by running their hands on it or slightly tapping it. In reality, this act never affects anything, but the Japanese stick to their traditions.
Keeping emotions hidden is another superstition in the country. Local players believe that if they experience enjoyment after a win, they will quickly lose their entire bankrolls during the following session. Many Japanese players maintain a calm, expressionless face, even during major wins, and you will never know whether a person is just sitting at the table or has just won a life-changing jackpot.
Thailand: Fortune Numbers and Dreams
Numerology has long been a powerful tool in different cultures, and its significance in gambling activities shouldn’t be overlooked. Many players believe in lucky rituals even now and avoid certain numbers when testing 1xBet slot games or placing sports predictions. Unsurprisingly, this trend is also present in Thailand. Moreover, locals believe in their dreams and often visit monks or spiritual mediums to find their correct interpretation. Using this trick, they try to extract lucky numbers from their thoughts, such as:
- If you dream of snakes, it will bring you a long-term winning potential
- If you dream of a late relative, bet on the number associated with their age or death date
- If you dream of water, you can count on significant financial opportunities
Of course, this strategy has nothing in common with how casinos and bookmakers work in the modern era. However, residents of Thailand feel more comfortable when implementing these rituals while they play. The illusion of control brought by superstitions is essential for many.
Italy: Touching Iron and Avoiding the Vatican
As the cradle of European gambling traditions, Italy couldn’t do it without gambling-related superstitions. Italians famously rely on gestures and charms for luck, so many bettors touch “ferro” (iron) before engaging in a session. This ritual is similar to the Western knock-on-wood tradition aimed at eliminating bad luck.
In Rome, there’s also a humorous superstition among locals, implying that they should never gamble after walking through the shadow of the Vatican. This stereotype is based on a myth that divine creatures erase a person’s good luck. If you are planning a visit to this small country, don’t schedule any online casinos on the same day. Just in case!
United States: Dice Blowing and Lucky Items
It seems that there’s no country where gambling is as popular as in the US. With its renowned Vegas establishments, it’s rightfully considered the casino capital that players wouldn’t have visited without bringing their superstitions. Blowing on the dice for luck is the most widespread ritual, which was heavily popularized through 20th-century American movies.
Although there’s no direct evidence that this action resulted in a player hitting a massive jackpot, many prefer to do it. Wearing lucky items or carrying them into the casino is another common solution to bring good luck to the gameplay. A rabbit’s foot, a pendant, a special hat, or even the same outfit worn during a previous big win makes US residents more confident that they will succeed consistently.
India: Hola Day Gambling and Diwali Dice Ritual
In India, gambling was interconnected with destiny for many centuries, so the availability of numerous traditional rituals is basically evident. During Diwali, millions of people across the country take part in small casino-like games, as it’s considered the best time to attract good luck. It’s believed that winning during this event brings prosperity for the next year. Many Indians also wear small items that hold personal meaning for them before joining a card table.
