Playing casino games and winning is often dependent on luck or chance. Usually, players are open to doing whatever is necessary to improve their winning chances. These may include rituals thought to bring luck.
Some of these beliefs and superstitions have been passed down through generations and have been picked up by present-day gamblers.
As unfounded and ridiculous as these rituals are, they seem to work for many people, which is why there are still talks about them. Discover the ten most mind-blowing gambling superstitions worldwide as you read on.
While luck-seeking rituals vary across cultures, modern players seeking reliable gaming experiences often turn to established platforms like casino Boomerang for consistent entertainment. This Austrian-licensed casino complements superstitious practices with tangible benefits, offering a welcome package of 100% up to €500 plus 200 free spins, along with weekly reload bonuses of 50 free spins for just a €20 deposit. With over 9,000 games from 121 providers and support in 13 languages, Boomerang provides a structured gaming environment where luck meets measurable rewards through their five-tier loyalty program.
#1 Wearing Red for Good Luck (China)
In many cultures, wearing a specific type or colour of clothing or accessories has been associated with good fortune. Today, many see red as a sign of prosperity and wealth in China.
Therefore, a Chinese gambler may prefer to wear red clothing or ruby-like adornments the next time they visit a gambling establishment. Perhaps they’d have the extra luck they’ve always needed to win big.
#2 Blowing on Dice Before Rolling (Global, Popular in the U.S.)
This habit is common across the globe. If you walk into a casino hall in Las Vegas or Macau, it is almost certain you will find someone at a table blowing on a pair of dice for luck.
The origin of this habit is unknown. However, the belief is that blowing air on dice removes whatever bad luck the last thrower had attached to it. This superstition is one of the most popular rites in physical casinos.
#3 Crossing Legs Means Bad Luck (Various Countries)
Putting one leg across another is seen by many as crossing out one’s luck. So, when you want to gamble and win next, try to keep those legs wide apart.
This ritual is most common with the Asian demographic. The gamblers in this region make it a conscious habit to avoid crossing their legs when playing at a table.
#4 Lucky and Unlucky Numbers (China, Japan, Western Countries)
Outside of gambling, numbers have always been associated with good or bad results. For instance, the Chinese see “8” as a lucky number, while “4” signals bad luck, like death.
In Japan, the number “9” represents pain or suffering. In the West, “7” is seen by many as a lucky number. People believe it is best to avoid the bad numbers and rely on the good ones when playing roulette, among other games.
#5 The Power of Charms and Talismans (Global)
Some gamblers carry lucky items on their persons when gambling online or offline. These charms appear to enforce luck and better chances, even though they do not realistically do so.
These talismans include rabbit’s feet, clovers, or even coins. They could also be religious, including St. Christopher medals or Buddha figurines. Others include iconic keychains and engraved casino chips.
While testing their luck with physical charms, many players simultaneously explore new free slots to discover games with favorable RTP percentages—combining superstition with strategic game selection.
#6 Avoiding $50 Bills in Casinos (United States)
As funny as this may sound, it is a popular habit among gamblers in the U.S. They believe accepting or wagering using $50 bills is bad luck.
The reason is that the $50 bill is often mafia-related. Occasionally, the mafia would leave $50 notes near the bodies of traitors. For this reason, many American gamblers believe a $50 note will only bring financial misfortune.
#7 Entering the Casino Through a Specific Door (China, Las Vegas)
To many, every action they take before and during gambling sessions weighs on their chances of winning. For example, many believe entering a casino through some doors can drain luck.
Players used to believe passing through the former Lion-shaped entrance at the MGM Grand building in Las Vegas brought bad luck. The casino was then forced to change the door. Lastly, entering a casino hall backwards is associated with good luck.
#8 No Sex Before Gambling (Various Cultures)
Yes, you read that right – absolutely no sex. Some players believe abstaining is best before gambling as sexual activities drain luck, energy, and grace.
This belief is most common among professional gamblers in Asia. Some other players believe that having no sex helps to retain focus and self-control.
#9 Counting Money While Playing Brings Bad Luck (Global)
A player who has been to Las Vegas more than once knows better than to count their money when still in the game. This belief may seem superstitious. However, the reason behind it makes a lot of sense.
Counting your cash winnings before the game ends can make you arrogant and lead to irrational decisions. This ritual is best for players interested in poker and blackjack gambling.
#10 Dogs Bring Bad Luck, Cats Bring Good Luck (China, Europe)
When it comes to gambling, many cultures see man’s best friend, a dog, as a sign of bad luck. Black cats, however, represent good fortune. Therefore, gamblers sometimes keep cat figurines (Maneki-Neko) around for extra luck.