Lucky For Some - Gambling Superstitions

Gambling at online casinos doesn't make you immune from superstitions. These irrational beliefs are in evidence in UK casinos, and there's no reason to think that players in internet casinos are any less susceptible to them than their offline counterparts. Our new series looks at the weird and wonderful things that gamblers believe bring them luck.

Gamblers And Their Superstitions Online

Our series for online casino fans on gambler's superstitions looks at the most popular traditions - and asks how they can be adopted to online gaming.

Superstition among the general population is growing and gamblers are likely to be more prone to irrational beliefs than most. This isn't really surprising, given the role that luck, or what is perceived to be luck, plays in gaming. However much the rational part of you knows that you'd be better off studying the mechanics of a game if you want to succeed at it, and that winning is more down to the laws of probability and mathematics than good fortune, there's always still the feeling that the rabbit's foot or the lucky charm bracelet might really help this time.

Breaking mirrors, walking under ladders, leaving shoes on furniture - gamblers share superstitions with the general population, but they are likely to hold more significance if you are about to play a game of chance. Gamblers have also developed and adapted a few superstitions to suit their own world. So we ask: how can they be adjusted to the online gambling arena?

Salt

Many people believe that, if they spill salt they should throw some over their left shoulder to ward off the devil. There's no clear origin for this, but salt has been considered valuable historically because of its preservative powers. In the history of gambling, there are many stories about salt.

One casino owner who was losing money to high rollers is said to have sprinkled his premises with salt in order to ward off bad luck. Some gamblers are said to keep salt handy to sprinkle on slot machines or even under gaming tables for luck.

Salt and Online Casinos: It's probably not wise to think about sprinkling salt on your computer - especially on the keyboard.

Breath

Blowing on dice and cards is meant to bring good luck. A possible origin for this is the practice of spitting on tools such as axes to make them work better.

Breathing and online casinos: There's no reason why you shouldn't blow on your computer, but we wouldn't advise you to spit on it.

Dogs

Not that you're likely to come across this in a land-based casino, but it's believed to be bad luck for a dog to approach the gaming table. The origins of this are obscure, but it may be simply down to distraction. In any case, this is a superstition you can easily adapt to the home environment.

Dogs and online casinos: Just shut Rover in his basket away from your computer desk while you're playing online.

Lucky Charms

You can carry your four-leaf clover or rabbit's foot with you wherever you play, but it's been said before and we'll say it again - it didn't work for the rabbit.

Chairs

To change bad luck at cards, rise and turn three times with your chair, the old superstition says.

Chairs and online casinos: Swivelling computer chairs were made for this. Go nuts.

Underwear

For reasons that are far from clear, underwear seems to figure heavily in gambling superstition. Underpants are a particular source of superstition among jockeys - especially in the Grand National, where jockeys will swear by their lucky smalls. There's also the idea that wearing your underwear inside out will bring you luck when you're playing. Fortunately, this is a superstition you can adhere to anywhere, any time.

Underwear and online casinos: Gaming in the privacy of your own home means you can wear what you like!