It’s no secret that you’ll need more than a good strategy when playing at your favorite crypto casino. You’ll also need a bit of luck! But some people go to great lengths in hopes of achieving said luck, and that’s what we’ll be looking at.
Here are some of the most common superstitions players use when playing at casinos.
1. Blowing on Dice
We’ve seen it in movies a million times. Players blow on the dice before they throw them on the craps table. “Mama needs a new pair of shoes!” Supposedly, this idea originated from players trying to catch others using ‘trick dice.’ Blowing on the dice would catch any cheaters who may have tampered with the dice. One common trick was that players would use adhesive on one side of a die to make it sticky.
This superstition gained even more so in popularity from the film Guys and Dolls when Marlon Brando suggests blowing on the dice in a craps game while singing “Luck Be A Lady Tonight.”
Today, all dice at casinos and live dealer games are not only thoroughly inspected and regulated but regularly swapped out between rounds. Doing this can ensure players that there’s no way the dice can have been tampered with and that gameplay is fair for all.
2. Lucky Charms
From lucky rabbits’ feet to horseshoes to lucky pennies and beyond. Many casino players have an artifact that they consider their lucky charm. I’ve even seen a lady who had to wear her lucky t-shirt when playing online slots. And lucky charms don’t have to be physical, they can be ritualistic too. For example, a player might want to sit at a specific seat at the poker table or tap the slot machine screen a certain number of times before pulling the reel. Of course, there is no science to back up the claims made by others.
As for the origins of some of these, the rabbit’s foot comes from ancient Celtic beliefs where it was believed that rabbits could communicate with gods and were, therefore, lucky. With the horseshoe, it has more to do with the crescent shape than the actual object. In the 8th century, many believed that this shape protected against the curse of the evil eye. And that lucky penny? The concept is rooted in the copper itself, as many cultures’ folklore teaches that copper and other precious metals can protect against evil spirits.
3. Whistling
Many card players believe that whistling brings bad luck. The concept actually originates from a superstition held by British sailors that whistling would bring dangerous, stormy winds. Today, it is probably more of an annoyance and distraction from players trying to concentrate on their gameplay and strategies.
However, we don’t have to worry about pesky whistlers when we play online at home. We can even mute the music on most games to maintain our full concentration while playing.
4. Wearing Red
The color red has always held a significant semblance in Chinese culture. Red is thought to be the color of luck and prosperity. So, naturally, many players will wear red articles of clothing while they play, including red handkerchiefs, red socks, or red shoes.
This superstition has also translated over into how some roulette players play. More players bet on red numbers than they do on black, and this subconscious decision is most likely not a coincidence.
5. Lucky Numbers
From playing the lottery to online roulette, many players have so-called lucky numbers that they place their bets on each and every time they play. In Western society, you’ll see a lucky number seven often used in gambling, especially playing online slots. This most likely stems from the number seven being used in various religions. For example, God created the heavens and the earth in six days but rested on the seventh. The number seven also represents harmony encompassed by yin, yang, and the five elements in Confucianism.
In China and other Asian cultures, the number eight is generally considered the luckiest. This most likely originated from how the word eight is pronounced in Cantonese. It sounds very similar to the word used for “prosper” or “wealth.” This superstition is so deeply ingrained in Chinese culture that the Bejing Olympics began its opening ceremony at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 pm on August 8th, 2008.
6. Itchy Palms
When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me, “Itchy palms mean you’re about to come into some money.” This was an old wife’s tale or superstition that originated in Eastern Europe, specifically the Balkans. People used to believe that rubbing the palms of your hands across silver could help cure specific diseases. So, the idea of itchy palms meant you had “silver coming your way.” However, the most common cause for itchy palms is dry skin, which is your body’s way of letting you know to apply some lotion.
7. Sitting Up Straight or Standing
Many players believe that having a perfect posture leads to good luck. Likewise, crossing your legs while playing is thought to bring bad luck. Most of this is probably psychosomatic, but there is strong evidence to support good posture improves gameplay. This is due to proper blood flow through your body, giving your brain more oxygen and allowing you to think more clearly. Crossing your legs or slouching can be a distraction for your brain, keeping you from maintaining 100% focus on your strategy and gameplay.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it — seven of the silliest superstitions you’ll see players use at online casinos. While there may be no factual evidence to support the use of any of these, it won’t sway many from continuing their traditions. And really, there is nothing wrong with that. If you believe in any of the above, I encourage you to keep on doing so. It’s part of our culture in online gaming and helps make the activity that much more fun and diverse.
Do you have any superstitions or good luck charms/rituals when you play? Did I leave something off that you swear by? Let me know in the comments below.
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