It is often said that gamblers are some of the most superstitious people out there – because they will do anything to improve their luck. There are gambling superstitions all over the world. Here are 10 of the most popular.

1. Lucky Charm

Everyone knows about lucky charms. Carrying or wearing one, such as lucky clothes or jewellery is one of the most popular gambling rituals in the world. Perhaps you think your lucky chain clears your head for sports betting strategy, or that a lucky tie helps you at the Blackjack table. Either way, this is a harmless superstition – just don’t get to the point where you can’t play without it.

2. Unlucky/Lucky Number 13

The number 13 actually takes part in two completely opposite gambling superstitions. As you probably know, the number 13 is considered bad luck in many spheres of life, in the western world. As you would expect, western gamblers are very afraid of this number. However, in China 13 is considered a lucky number, so Chinese players get excited when the number appears in a game.

3. Lucky Number 7

In contrast to number 13, number 7 is generally thought to be very lucky. This superstition is actually taken into account by developers of slot games: you may have noticed that number 7 is one of the most frequently used symbols.

4. Don’t Get Handsy

There are a number of gambling rituals and superstitions involving hands. One of these is that gamblers on a winning streak often will specifically not was their hands so they don’t “wash the luck away”. In contrast, those on a losing streak will wash their hands as soon as they can.

5. Ain’t Nothing But An Unlucky Hound Dog

Strangely enough, dogs are considered highly unlucky when it comes to gambling, so they are never allowed near the gambling table. Not good for superstitious gamblers with service dogs!

6. Lucky Teddy

One of the most common gambling rituals is to bring a lucky doll, teddy bear or stuffed doll to the casino with you. Some players think it is particularly lucky to place these before them as they play.

7. Loving The Slot Machine

Many people think talking to the slot machine improves their luck. Some will even fondle and kiss the machines to get that jackpot!

8. Lucky Soap And Candles

There are many gambling rituals players perform before leaving the house. These can include bathing with lucky herbal soaps, applying lucky oil to the body and lighting candles at home before setting off for the casino.

9. I Don’t Want Your 50 Dollars!

In America, players will often not accept $50 bills as payment as they are considered unlucky. This appears to stem from a time when mob members used to stick $50 bills into the pockets of their dead victims.

10. Never Enter Through The Front Door

The Chinese have many gambling superstitions. One of these is that you should never enter through the front entrande of a casino, and especially when it looks like the jaws of a beast. And then, the owners of the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas thought it would be a good idea to make their entrance look like the mouth of a lion! Four years later they rebuilt it, as they were losing Asian customers.

As Old As Time

Gambling is one of the oldest pastimes in the world, and superstitions are as old as humans. Gambling superstitions will likely always be around, and they don’t do any harm – just don’t let them take over your life or ruin your fun.