It never hurts to have a little luck on your side. Many of us subconsciously tap into certain superstitious practices that we perform out of comfort and the belief that they just may bring us good luck, or at the very least, prevent bad luck from coming our way. If you’re a gambler or like to play games of chance, you know that chance and good luck can often be one and the same.
Here are five good luck superstitions that will make you win the next time you sit down for your favorite game of chance:
1. Crossing your fingers
Crossing your fingers in what has long been seen as a sign of unity gives you the capability of wishing or hoping for something to happen, usually something along the lines of positive luck. People have used this trick for ages and the only reason why they continue to do so is because in most cases it actually works.
2. Eating black eyed peas on New Year’s
The idea of eating black eyed peas to bring luck can possibly be traced back to ancient Egypt, where this was considered a skimpy meal. By eating such fare, the ancient Egyptians believed they were humbling themselves before the gods, therefore gaining their favor for the coming year. This tradition also has some variations depending on the location, for instance in some countries in Latin America people eat 12 grapes at midnight instead of black eyed peas.
3. Stepping on your shadow
Before any other explanation of the shadow existed, it was considered a reflection that was part of our souls. For anyone else to step on our shadow was for them to destroy a part of our soul. If we stepped on our own shadow, it had to be good luck, because sometimes it is impossible not to step on it.
4. Carrying sea salt in your wallet for good luck
A very popular charm is carrying salt for good luck. Salt has been used for thousands of years as a deterrent to evil and forces that bring about bad luck. Many religions indicate salt as one of the purest substances on earth, and one that can be used to protect someone from evil influences by providing a pure barrier that impure spirits cannot cross.
Now, if you’re ready to learn a few good luck charms specifically used in casino games, these next few are just for you! If you follow these, you’ll be making your fortune in no time.
5. Beginner’s luck
You’ve probably heard the saying that beginners at any particular game or sport will receive luck simply because they’ve just begun to play. You can take advantage of this by playing games you aren’t familiar with, because you will be a beginner and therefore the recipient of good luck.
6. Unlucky $50 bills
If you find yourself cashing out after a lucky streak, it is best to refuse $50 bills. This is an American superstition that pervades casino culture, as many American casinos won’t carry the bill at all. The fear of this bill, as told by urban legend, dates back to when mobsters were at their height. When they murdered someone, they would leave a $50 dollar bill in the victim’s pocket. Especially since the history of places like Las Vegas are largely associated with mobs, it’s best to steer clear of this bad luck charm all together.
7. Looking away when playing slots
When playing slots, you may notice people around you looking away while the numbers are still spinning. While the origins for this one are vague, it may come from the fear of jinxing the outcome by staring at the reels for too long. Another potential reason comes from a fear that machines watch people as they take a spin. All in all, the smartest thing may be to avert your gaze during spins. You can never be too careful, especially with a random luck game like slots.
8. Lucky attire
A popular method to maximize your winning streak is to wear lucky clothing. A common practice in gambling, people often choose to wear the same article of clothing over a period of several days without washing it. It is thought that washing the clothing will get rid of whatever magic it currently holds for you and your good fortune. This is considered a foolproof tactic, as the winner of the 2015 world series of poker would vouch. He wore the same shirt for the entire 7 day period, and he won!
9. Unlucky #13
If you’ve ever heard of Friday the 13th, you know about the unlucky number 13. This number is actually considered unlucky in most cultures, its roots dating back to the ancient world. One theory is that the ancient numeral system used to count time was based on the perfect number 12 (12 months in a year, 24 hours in a day, 60 seconds in a minute) and any number following it is unusual and awkward. Another theory claims that in some ancient historical events, such as the Last Supper and the dinner party at Valhalla (Norse folklore), there were 12 guests dining peacefully and a thirteenth evil guest came and ushered in bad luck for everyone. Many hotels in Las Vegas don’t even have a 13th floor, to avoid the potential for misfortune.
10. Blowing on dice
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a casino before, you would have immediately noticed people blowing on dice at the craps table. In the words of Sinatra’s “Luck be a Lady”, “A lady doesn’t wander all over the room, and blow on some other guy’s dice.” The origins of this good luck superstition aren’t super clear, but one thought is that way back when, dice games were played out in the dusty streets. So players often could achieve a better hand if they first blew on their dice, to clean the dust and dirt off of them.
11. Betting on red
Red is considered the luckiest color in gambling, and if you’ve ever heard of the term “betting on red” in roulette, it originates from this concept. In some cultures, like in China for example, red is associated with luck and fortune. One way to harness this good luck is by bringing your own red to the game, often by wearing a piece of clothing. You would be surprised at the amount of red undies worn to casinos on a regular basis.
When you play online at Slots of Vegas, you can practice all five of these superstitions at the same time, in your pajamas, from the comfort of your own home. The casino is open around the clock, so whenever you want to test out your new found luck bringing knowledge, log on and gamble at Slots of Vegas Online Casino!
