Avoiding ladders and carrying around a rabbit's foot. We all have our superstitions and online games are no exception.
Whether you're betting in a casino or gambling online, each gambler has superstitions. From keeping a rabbit's foot in their pocket to playing slot machines with a four-leafed clover, each gambler has their own way of tipping fate in their favour.
They're a superstitious lot and while some gamblers will stick to the traditional idols of good luck - mascots, a lucky penny, coins and jewellery - some choose their own, more unique omens of fortune. Former WSO winner Johnny Chan is famous for keeping an orange with him at the poker table, while professional poker player Sam Farha is recognised worldwide for sucking on an unlit cigarette each time he plays.
Gambling online has just as many superstitions. Gamblers will wear their lucky shirt to channel good fortune, sit in the same virtual chair, choose the same deck colour for their cards. Whether they are playing online slots or blackjack, each gambler will have their own specific set of routines and superstitions.
Take Chinese gamblers. A very superstitious bunch, gamblers in China have to observe a range of traditions in order for lady luck to smile down on them. Chinese players place a great deal of importance on particular numbers and believe that while the number '4' can bring bad luck, the number '8' will shower them with prosperity and fortune. This summer's Beijing Olympics were scheduled to begin at 8:08pm in keeping with the superstition. Chinese gamblers will avoid staying in hotel rooms with unlucky numbers, such as '4' or '14'.
The most popular superstition in western culture - the dreaded Friday 13th - is one most players and casinos stick to. While gamblers may avoid the roulette and poker games on the day, many casinos refuse to list a 13th floor in their register. Elsewhere, Italian gamblers try to avoid the number 15 as Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was murdered on that date, way back in March 40BC.
Posted by Dan at 14:30 PM
labels: gambling stories, superstitions, poker, online slots, online blackjack