Top 10 Lucky Charms and Rituals in Gambling

Being thousands of years old, it should come as no surprise that the gambling world is full of rituals and lucky charms. While some would argue it has everything to do with skill and strategy, most would agree that luck plays a vital role when you’re on your mission to take on the house. 

Some of these lucky charms have also entered popular culture and psyche, with people swearing by their effects on the outcome of each hand. Whether you believe in them or not, it can always be fun to emulate some of them when gambling. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 lucky charms and rituals in gambling. 

10. Kissing/ Blowing on Dice

Blowing on dice has been a very popular and common ritual in the Eastern world. It is believed to have originated in ancient times and is particularly used in games like Craps, Yahtzee, and Sic bo. 

Some have theorized that back in ancient times, players would make trick dice which is why blowing or kissing them helped people identify such dice. 

Some said the cheaters themselves used to blow on the dice as it activated a sticky substance that they put on their deuce previously, which would help them cheat. 

Yet other theories state that ancient people believed that blowing on objects could diffuse positive energy inside them, ensuring a positive outcome. 

9. Carp Scale

Our next entry comes to us all the way from Japan. Carps are a symbol of strength, courage, and patience in the country, and their scales are considered a powerful lucky charm. In ancient Japan, it was believed that carp that could swim upstream would transform into powerful dragons. 

Even today, gamblers will carry Carp Scales with them when going into a casino, and some even place them on the table where they are going to play. 

The scales are even more common to see when people are playing traditional gambling games like pachinko and hanafuda. 

8. Crossing Fingers

Crossing fingers is one of those rituals that are so common as a saying that you’d be surprised it originated as a gambling charm. In gambling, crossing fingers when betting or rolling dice is believed to ward off negative energy and increase the chances of winning. 

One of the theories of its origins dates back to pre-Christian pagan traditions, where the symbol of the cross was said to be good luck. Whereas other theories say that crossing one's fingers was a discreet way of identifying fellow Christians when they were under Roman persecution.  

Many gamblers believe that you must also do it discreetly, either under the table or behind your back, as subtlety is key when crossing your fingers. 

7. Red Clothing

Another ancient Chinese tradition that has become popularized is wearing red. Meant to ward off evil spirits in ancient times, red clothing today is more meant to bring fortune and prosperity. Everyone looks good in red, right? Maybe it's high time you dig through your closet and select a red outfit! 

The color red is also thought to bring positive energy and excitement when worn. Casinos also use this trick as red is considered more arousing and exciting than other colors. 

We have also seen many professional poker players wear red, so take it from them, you could go all in with everything red or keep it subtle with red shoes or a red shirt. 

6. Knocking on Wood

A global ritual that has taken mainstream appeal is knocking on wood. Originating in ancient times, this practice was believed to ward off evil spirits as people believed supernatural beings lived inside trees. When it comes to gambling, knocking on wood is thought to bring positive outcomes and good luck. 

This practice has also taken many forms over the centuries ranging from simply tapping a wooden object before placing a bet to more complex patterns of knocks meant to signal the spirits. 

Some gamblers have even been carrying small pieces of wood as a gesture of showing gratitude to the tree-dwelling spirits. It is generally believed to be a pagan tradition originating in Europe. 

5. Lucky Dice

Lucky Dice have been gaining popularity again. Some like them for their decorative and artistic style, whereas others use them as talismans when betting. It was so common that American fighter pilots would also hang dice on their places before missions for good luck. 

Believed to bring good fortune to the tables, ancient people would make dice out of ivory and carve special symbols on them, which were believed to bring better luck. 

Today, people have taken to carrying lucky dice with their favorite teams’ logos or carving their own symbols, which are believed to bring good luck. 

Some gamblers who have been playing for a long time may also carry their own set of dice, which they believe has been blessed with positive energy over the time when they were gambling. 

4. Lucky Number 7

The number 7 has been considered to bring luck and good fortune in many religions and cultures. It has deep roots in customs and traditions and has come up many times in religions that have nothing in common. Thus, many gamblers have taken the number 7 to be a sign of good luck and help you win. 

Be it craps or slots, the number 7 is considered to be a good sign of things to come. It is also considered to be the fairest number when predicting wins and losses. 

Many Blackjack players also consider it lucky as 7-7-7 makes 21, and casinos have also included it as an additional jackpot which only added to its lucky status. 

From the ancient Assyrians and Greeks to Christianity, the number 7 has taken many forms, but all have been linked to good fortune and outcomes. 

3. Horseshoe

Horseshoes have been everything from lucky charms to decorations in casinos. A comparatively modern lucky charm, Horseshoes have been long held in high esteem in horse racing. Another significance of the talisman is the iron with which its made, which is said to ward off evil spirits. 

These objects have also been used in slot machines and card tables, which have only added to their lucky status. Some gamblers have carried horseshoes when gambling as they believe it to bring good fortune. Jewellery and clothing with horseshoe symbols are also considered lucky in real money casinos. 

An upside-down horseshoe is also associated with tricking the devil, and gamblers who like to take risks have also carried them in their pockets. 

2. Rabbit's Foot

Dried and preserved rabbit feet have also been immensely popular lucky charms among gamblers. The origin of these trinkets has been heavily disputed, with claims coming from Native American folklore, Celtic accounts, and even African cultures. 

Gamblers have long carried a rabbit’s foot or worn it as jewellery as they believed it to carry good fortune and positive energy at the game. Accounts from gamblers in the U.S. in the 90s state that many would carry it in their left pocket, which was considered the luckiest. Nowadays, fake imitations are most common, although some prefer an actual foot and swear by it. 

Personally, I’d recommend other lucky charms. Rabbits are cute, and you probably don’t want to hurt them either. Maybe consider the one below? 

1. Four-Leaf Clover

Finally, we come to the most recognized lucky charm among gamblers and non-gamblers alike, the Four-Leaf Clover. These are considered to be symbols of luck, faith, and hope, among many other things. If the luck of the Irish is what you’re after, maybe one of these could be the answer! 

The ancient Celts believed that four-leaf clovers brought good luck and prosperity to the person who found them. Add to that the rarity of actually finding one, and that made them all the more special. Scientists have found that only one in 5,076 leaves will be the treasured four-leaf clovers rather than the traditional three-leaf variants. 

Gamblers in Ireland and Britain have long kept and treasured these items. A lot of them swear by it as it is a miracle to find one in the first place, and it is sure to signify good things coming to a person. 

Lucky charms and rituals have long dominated various aspects of gambling. If you’re not the superstitious type, the confidence boost that these items will give you is definitely an edge. 

For the superstitious people among us, a positive mindset and a little luck on your side always help. Items like these have helped many to overcome the odds and win it big. 

Perhaps they are worth looking into after all. If it worked for them, there’s no reason it wouldn’t work for you. What is your favorite ritual inside the casino? No, taking shots of Tequila doesn’t count! Maybe carry a four-leaf clover or wear red next time you go inside a casino.