Gambling Superstitions

Common Gambling Superstitions

Some gambling superstitions are widespread, others are personal. People have engaged themselves in gambling since the dawn of time.

Most have their own private lucky symbols. It could be a lucky piece of clothing or a charm.

Here is an overview of common gambling superstitions.

Dice Superstitions

Blow on the dice before rolling when playing the craps. That gesture should improve your luck.

It is also considered lucky to rub the dice on the head of a red head.

Some believe it is lucky to carry a dice in your pocket at all times. That will ensure you will never run out of money.

How to dress and behave when gambling

Be sure you dress well. Do not engage in any sort of gambling looking sloppy. It is a fact that the Goddess Fortuna likes neatness.

Do not sing or whistle when playing cards. It is bad luck.

Never, ever lose your temper. That is simply a bad omen.

Do not look at your cards before the dealer has finished dealing the cards.

Discreetly touch your good card with your index finger for luck.

Many cross their fingers to bring good luck or ward off bad luck. This applies when waiting for a result.

Sitting and table gambling superstitions

Some turn their chair around to change their luck for the better.

Do not sit with your legs crossed. This will cross out your good luck.

Sitting on a handkerchief is good luck. Make sure you fold it in the shape of a square.

Do not let dogs sit near your spot when gambling. It is bad luck.

Do not play poker on a polished table. The reflection may reveal what cards you have. It is for this reason just about all poker tables have green felt.

Entering Through the Front Door

Some gamblers avoid using the main entrance of a casino. They believe it brings bad luck. 

This is the case at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The original entrance was through a lion’s mouth.

Wash your hands for better gambling luck

If you find yourself losing it may be a good idea to go wash your hands. Superstition states that you will wash away your bad luck.

For those of you on a winning streak don’t even consider washing your hands. You will wash away your good luck.

Lucky Charms for Gambling

Many will have some kind of lucky charm. Carrying a rabbit’s foot used to be popular.

Others may swear to a lucky coin in their pocket or shoe. The coin is even more auspicious if minted in your birth year. A coin with a hole in the middle is especially auspicious.

All in all, any kind of lucky charm that works for you is worth holding on to.

Check the time before playing poker

Do not play poker before 6 P.M. on a Friday. It is bad luck.

Chinese Gambling Superstitions

Never touch the shoulder of someone who is gambling.

Oranges are the fruits of good luck and prosperity. Many gamblers eat oranges for this reason.

Try to avoid entering a casino through the main entrance.

Do not count your money when you are in the middle of a game.

Never bring a book

Playing games for money is popular in the Chinese culture. A good example is the game Mahjong.

Do not walk into a room where they play games for money carrying a book.

The word for “book” and the word for “to lose” are similar in the Chinese language.

Wear something red for good gambling luck

Wear something red. Red is the auspicious color. It could be red shoes or socks. If red does not suit you, at least wear red underwear.

Women have increased luck if they happen to have their period when gambling.

Avoid room number four superstition

Do not stay in a hotel room which is number four.

Four is an unlucky number in China. It is similar to the word for “death”.

Nezha – Chinese God of Gamblers

Nezha is the Chinese god favorite to many gamblers. He is also the god many professional drivers put their trust in.

Nezha was the third son of the general Li Jing.  The Jade Emperor sent him to earth to fight demons raging through the human world.

The birth of Nezha

His mother had been pregnant for three and a half years before she gave birth. When she finally went into labor she gave birth to a small ball of flesh.

Her husband had a terrible tantrum and smashed the ball with his sword. Out popped Nezha. The boy soon showed he had magical powers. He was full of mischief.

Nezha dies

Nezha killed the third son of the Dragon King and got away with it. His parents ended up getting arrested because Nezha went missing. Nezha then commits suicide to save his father’s honor.

Nezha is reborn

His mother builds a temple in his honor in secret.

Three years later the immortal T’ ai showed mercy. He creates a new body for Nezha from lotus flowers.

Nezha reunites with his father and brothers. They fought off all their enemies and established the Chou dynasty.

Saint Cajetan – Patron Saint of Gamblers

There is a patron Saint for gamblers and the unemployed. His name is Cajetan. He is also known as Gaetano. He was born in Vicenza, Italy in 1480 and died in Naples in 1547.

 His feast day is August 7th.

Cajetan studied theology and law. He had a promising and bright future. He became a senator in Vicenza.

Cajetan left his promising career to devote himself to helping the poor. He also worked hard against the demoralized clergy. 

Cajetan loved betting with his parishioners

Many stories have been told about Cajetan. One story is that Cajetan loved placing bets with his parishioners. He would bet that he could find a solution to their worries and troubles.

If Cajetan won, the parishioner had to help out during Mass. If he lost the parishioner would not be required to help during Mass.