Gambling Superstitions
Millions of people enjoy gambling around the world, and most players understand—or should understand—that luck plays a central role in the outcome of many casino games.
No guide or strategy can guarantee a win, which helps explain why superstition appeals to players. These beliefs are not always personal habits: communities have passed customs and rituals down for centuries, often associating certain actions with good fortune.
Which gambling superstitions are familiar in casinos today? This overview looks at beliefs ranging from lucky numbers to unusual routines, including the meaning associated with an itchy hand.
Lucky Numbers & Colors
In gambling lore, 7 has traditionally represented good luck, prosperity, and riches. This association carried over to slot machines, where older designs often used 777 symbols for the jackpot combination. The number is still considered lucky in many places, though not in Australia, where 7 is viewed as unlucky. Learn more about gambling in Australia and the game of craps.
Red is another color many gamblers consider fortunate, much as seven is seen as a lucky number in much of the world. The association is especially strong among people of Chinese background, for whom red can symbolize prosperity. Some casino visitors wear something red in hopes of improving their luck; underwear is a frequent choice.
Rituals
Rituals are part of gambling, sports and everyday routines. After a win, some players stick to the same schedule or playing style, worrying that a change could end their lucky streak. Familiar examples include blowing on dice, knocking on wood, arranging chips in a particular pattern, and kissing a companion before placing a bet.
Some players leave the table after betting, while others look away from the result, whether at a casino or during online play. Avoiding particular actions is another common superstition. In some parts of the world, counting money at the table is thought to bring bad luck and may also be considered unprofessional.
Other Familiar Superstitions
Customs differ across cultures, and a practice that reassures one gambler may seem unacceptable to another. Strong beliefs can accompany gambling: people hope to win and may develop habits they think could improve their chances. Here are several other beliefs associated with casinos around the world:
The Itchy Hand
Beliefs about an itchy palm differ between Bulgaria and Serbia. In Bulgaria, an itchy right palm is considered a bad omen, and people are advised not to bet. In Serbia, an itchy left hand is associated with good luck, so some may see it as a positive sign before placing a wager.
The MGM Lion’s Mouth
Chinese visitors objected to the MGM casino’s prominent entrance in Vegas, which was shaped like a large lion’s mouth. They interpreted entering through its jaws as being swallowed whole—a symbol of losing all their money. MGM responded to those concerns by changing the entrance design.
Lending Money
Giving someone else money to gamble with is often seen as tempting fate, with some believing it could double the loss if their own luck runs out. Many gamblers therefore avoid lending money or accepting it from others. Under this belief, each person should gamble only with their own funds.
Crossing Legs
Crossed fingers are considered a lucky gesture in everyday life in many countries. Crossing your legs during a casino visit, however, is thought by some to “cross out” the luck still to come. Fingers crossed may be fine, but believers might think twice before crossing their legs—even if it feels more comfortable.
