Luck and bad luck in the casino – a question of superstition?
Many casino players believe in rituals that are supposed to bring luck. But where does this superstition actually come from?
When people are under pressure and faced with uncertainty, they often fall into rituals and adopt familiar routines that give them a sense of control.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan, for example, used to wear old shorts from North Carolina College under his Chicago Bulls uniform for good luck in the game. Actor and filmmaker John Wayne never put his cowboy hat on a bed because he believed it would bring him bad luck. And Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose refuses to perform in cities whose names begin with an “M” because he believes they are cursed.
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No wonder, then, that superstition is also popular among those who roll the dice, get the reels of slot machines spinning, play hands in poker or place a bet on their sports team.
Critics accuse superstitious gamblers of deluding themselves and suppressing the experiences where their superstitions have failed them. And so, again, there are two types of casino players: those who dismiss superstition as pure nonsense and those who live their superstitions and trust the rituals – whether they are myths or provable facts.
So let’s take a look at some forms of superstition that supposedly bring good or bad luck.
Superstitious players try to avoid behaviours and objects that they believe could bring bad luck. It is a well-known fact that the pain of losing lasts longer than the pleasure of winning. The following are some of the supposedly biggest bad luck bringers in the casino:
1. Thirteen and other numbers
In Western cultures, the number 13 is notoriously associated with bad luck, but in other cultures there are other unlucky numbers. In China, for example, 4 is the least lucky number because it sounds like the word “death” when pronounced in Chinese.
Any mention of “books” at the casino table is also very undesirable for a similar reason – the word is often pronounced like “lose”. However, this belief also works in the other direction: given that the number 8 sounds like “prosperity”, it is a preferred number for many superstitious Chinese gamblers.
2. Cross legs
In other countries, people cross their fingers for luck instead of crossing their thumbs, but some gamblers believe they should never cross their legs when placing a bet. This is because they assume that this will “cross” their luck. Strange as it may sound, many believe this myth in the casino and will not cross their legs at the tables.
3. Counting money at the table
Another well-known superstition in gambling is that you should never count your money or chips when playing. As Kenny Rogers sang in “The Gambler”:
You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table. There’ll be time enough for counting, when the dealing’s done.
“Never count your money when you’re sitting at the table. There’ll be time enough for counting when the dealing’s done.”
This superstition actually ensures appropriate behaviour. Indeed, counting your money, before the end of the game or even immediately afterwards, is considered in extremely bad taste. Not only is it insensitive to other players who may have lost their money. Many also assume that pride comes before a fall.
So it’s best to wait until you’re well outside the casino, ideally until you’ve arrived home (or in your hotel room), before adding up your takings. It’s also more likely that you won’t immediately gamble away your winnings again this way!
4. Enter the casino through the main entrance
This casino superstition sounds a little more irrational than others, but still has its staunch supporters. Some players believe that it is bad luck to enter the casino through the main entrance because they come into contact with players who leave the casino (probably due to a bad luck streak) and thus their bad luck could be transferred to others.
In connection with this superstition, many gamblers used to have a problem with the old entrance to the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, which was shaped like a large, roaring lion’s mouth. “Going into the lion’s mouth” symbolised “being eaten alive” for them and was considered bad luck, especially by Chinese gamblers. In 1998, the entrance was changed and since then no player is said to have been eaten alive at the MGM Grand (at least not by a lion).
5. Itchy hands
Have you ever had the feeling that your palms itch? Depending on where you are from, there is a superstition that says you are about to win money, while in other regions it means you are about to lose. The belief that itchy hands bring good luck has its roots in ancient African and Native American folklore. However, in Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, itchy hands mean downright bad luck.
6. Using 50-dollar notes
We all know the old American mafia movies from the days when Las Vegas was ruled by the mob, and legend has it that gangsters put a $50 note in their victims’ jackets before burying them in the Nevada desert. Since then, a common superstition in the casino, especially among American gamblers in Las Vegas, is that $50 notes do not bring luck. As a result, there are many players who refuse to accept $50 notes as payment at the casino.
7. Lending money to another player
Another gambling superstition that has some validity is that lending money to another player brings bad luck. Many gamblers believe that lending money to a fellow player undermines confidence in one’s own luck, as one is giving money away without the prospect of winning. Statistically, this superstition in the casino is based on the fact that borrowed money in principle has the risk potential of not seeing it again. And that alone is definitely bad luck.
8. Whistling while gambling
It is believed that whistling while gambling in a casino brings bad luck. This casino superstition dates back to ancient times when sailors were forbidden to whistle on board ship because it was believed that this would encourage the wind to blow harder. Apart from this legend, it is also an act of courtesy towards fellow players, because whistling at the tables can be quite annoying.
But many players also believe in anything that might supposedly bring them luck. Here now are some of the most popular forms of superstition in the casino that can supposedly help players achieve great wealth:
Lucky superstitions in the casino
1. Blow on the dice
In the legendary 1955 film Guys and Dolls, Marlon Brando asks Lady Luck not to “wander around the room blowing on another man’s dice” while playing craps. Sixty years later, the belief that blowing on the dice brings good luck is so ingrained that it is not uncommon even during a round of Monopoly with the family.
Like many others, this story is based on a tradition that is not known to be true or not. Legend has it that dishonest players used to coat one side of their dice with a sticky substance that was activated by moisture. If you blew on the dice before rolling, this ensured that they would stay put as desired. However, due to the fact that the dice also stuck to dirt or other objects on the table, this trick never became very popular. So don’t be too hasty if a player blows on his dice these days. He is probably just superstitious.
2. Wearing red in the casino
The fact that many gamblers have lucky clothes comes from further afield. For example, Steve Dannenmann, runner-up in the 2005 World Series of Poker, wore the same shirt and cap every day during the seven-day tournament. Red is an extremely important colour in Chinese culture, representing prosperity, happiness and joy, among other things. Therefore, red is the colour of choice for many festive occasions. At a Chinese wedding, for example, it is used for everything from the wedding dress to the money envelopes that are given as gifts.
It is therefore not surprising that many players wear a red garment to increase their chances of winning. Studies have shown that, statistically speaking, players bet much more on red than on black when playing at casino tables. This is probably also related to the general idea that red is a lucky colour. Many also think that they must be given the red lucky charms as a gift, so it might be time to give your loved ones a hint.
3. Lucky charms in gambling
Many believe that an object or another person can bring them good luck. From clothing to jewellery to rings, gamblers think that things that have brought them luck in the past must be present whenever they enter the casino from now on. Popular items that fulfil this superstition around the casino are a rabbit’s foot, a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover. 10-time WSOP winner Johnny Chan has taken the lucky charm concept to a new level with items from nature and is now known to bring an orange to every poker game he attends!
4. Sitting or standing while playing
Quite a few players believe that the position they are in when placing a bet must be maintained for the entire duration of the game, believing that a change in position can also lead to a change in the course of luck. If you put money into the slot machine while standing, you should not sit down until after the last spin. Or alternatively, if you are sitting at a blackjack table, you should never stand up until the game is over, not even to stretch your legs.
Some players go even further and remain seated or standing throughout their visit to the casino. So don’t forget to choose comfortable shoes for a long night at the casino!
5. Fingers crossed and other rituals
Many gamblers have their own rituals and routines to bring them luck, most of which can be observed in the casino immediately before placing bets. Pressing thumbs, knocking on wood, stacking chips in a certain way and verbally calling out numbers or cards are popular. Some players believe that kissing a companion will bring them good luck. So make sure you always bring the right partner.
6. Unlucky in love, lucky in gambling
Some say this gambling superstition is a way to mend a broken heart, but the history of gambling is actually full of successful gamblers who have been lucky in both love and play.
Maths genius Bill Benter is considered the richest professional gambler and has a loving wife and child. Edward E. Thorp, considered the father of card counting, won hundreds of millions gambling and was happily married for 50 years. So if you are in a loving relationship, please don’t break it up before you go to the casino!
Summary
Rituals and customs believed to bring good luck vary according to culture, ethnic background and age groups. While some rituals have their raison d’être, others are nothing more than fun behaviours that can add a little spice and fun to a casino night.
So whether you’re wearing your favourite red underwear, have a horseshoe in your pocket or your hands are itchy, always remember that it’s all about fun, but never a sure-fire way to win.
Regardless of whether you maintain such rituals or not, gaming fun is guaranteed even in the best online casinos. But always stay on the safe side and within your limits.
FAQ about Luck and bad luck in the casino
Can luck affect your results in the casino?
Luck can undoubtedly play a role in your results at the casino, particularly in games mainly based on chance, such as slots and roulette. However, it's important to remember that over the long term, the odds and the house edge will always favor the casino, regardless of any short-term fluctuations in luck.
Can bad luck be the cause of losing streaks at the casino?
Bad luck can undoubtedly contribute to losing streaks at the casino. Still, it's essential to consider other factors, such as strategy, bankroll management, and the overall odds and house edge of the games you're playing. It's also important to avoid chasing losses or making emotional decisions based on past results.
How can you improve your luck at the casino?
There is no guaranteed way to improve your luck at the casino, but some players believe in various superstitions and rituals, such as carrying lucky charms or wearing specific clothing. Ultimately, the best way to improve your results at the casino is to make intelligent decisions, manage your bankroll effectively, and play games with the best odds and lowest house edge.
Luck at the casino is often talked about as if it were a steady companion, but anyone who has spent time at the tables knows it shifts like the dial on an old radio. Some nights the reels line up, the cards fall kindly, and the machine seems to celebrate every spin. Other nights, nothing lands where you expect it to. Treating luck as a mood rather than a guarantee helps keep the experience honest and prevents the wins from going to your head when the streak eventually cools down.
Bad luck, on the other hand, tends to feel personal. A missed draw by a hair, a near miss on a jackpot, a dealer pulling the exact card you needed one turn too late, and suddenly a quiet game of chance feels like it is working against you. Casinos thrive on these emotional swings because they push players to react rather than reflect. Recognizing the moment when frustration starts steering your choices is often the difference between a memorable night and an expensive lesson in patience.
Superstitions have always followed the spin of the wheel and the shuffle of the deck. Some players refuse to sit at a table where someone is on a losing run, while others insist on a specific seat, a particular chip, or a lucky charm tucked into a pocket. Rituals like knocking on wood, blowing on dice, or choosing machines by feel are part of the folklore of the casino floor. Whether or not any of it truly influences the outcome, the shared sense of belief adds color and camaraderie to the gaming experience.
Looking beyond charm and ritual, the most reliable way to feel lucky at a casino is to prepare like a seasoned player. That means understanding the volatility of slot machines, comparing payout ratios between games, and reading guides that break down the house edge on popular bets. Card players benefit from learning basic strategy charts, while slot fans can study jackpot sizes and progressive structures before settling on a machine. Knowledge does not remove chance, but it gives every wager a clearer purpose.
Good bankroll management is the quiet backbone of any positive casino outing. Setting a budget, dividing it into reasonable session amounts, and walking away once that limit is reached keeps a streak of small wins from turning into an impulsive chase. Pairing that discipline with a balanced mindset, treating each game as entertainment rather than income, and taking breaks to reset your focus all help tilt the atmosphere back toward enjoyment. In the long run, players who respect both their wallet and their emotions tend to find the most satisfying results.
Is it possible to control your luck at the casino?
While you can't control the outcomes of individual games at the casino, you can control certain aspects of your experience, such as the games you choose to play, the amount of money you wager, and the level of risk you're willing to take. By making informed decisions and using sound strategy, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed over the long term.
How can you deal with bad luck at the casino?
Dealing with bad luck at the casino can be frustrating, but staying focused and avoiding making rash decisions is essential. Take a break if needed, reassess your bankroll and strategy, and remember that luck can always turn around in your favor. It's also important to have realistic expectations and understand that losses are a normal part of the casino experience.
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