Betting has been captivating people since ancient times. This pastime was initially considered a magic ritual or a religious act that was intended to affect fate. Across different cultures, gambling enthusiasts were attracted not only to the risks, but also to the superstitions that affected their experiences. Until now, people have believed that specific actions or thoughts can influence winning potential. What are the most popular superstitions in the betting sector, and which factors were driving their development in the past?
India: The Power of Lucky Numbers and Rituals
This country is among the cradles of civilization, so it’s not surprising that the gambling myth accompanies India through different eras. Here, the betting culture is strongly tied to numerology and spiritual symbolism. Some aspects were believed to bring luck to bettors, while others indicated unfavorable conditions. Take a look at some superstitions:
- 7 and 9 are the lucky numbers that bring good fortune
- 8 is an unlucky figure, as it’s linked to the harsh planet Saturn
- Chanting mantras or lighting oil lamps before gambling was popular
- Wearing red or yellow colors was considered good luck
- Carrying talismans implies that they will eliminate unsuccessful outcomes
In modern India, betting is increasingly widespread, but hardly anyone sticks to these authentic rituals. Currently, players are already aware of the fact that success in sports wagering on the 1xBet original website depends on both luck and informed pre-match analysis. However, some punters stick to tradition and never begin a session without a sacred talisman in their pocket.
Italy: Taboo on 13 and Unlucky Friday
Italy, famous for its rich gambling history and passionate bettors, has some unique superstitions deeply rooted in cultural tradition. Unlike in many European countries, where Friday the 13th is considered an unfavorable day, residents of this state are afraid of Friday the 17th. This trend comes from the Roman Empire, where 17 was represented as XVII, an anagram of VIXI, meaning “I have lived.” Centuries ago, this was synonymous to death, and some Italians stick to this rule.
To protect against bad luck, Italians often carry a corno, a small horn-shaped charm believed to ward off the evil eye. As a rule, people place it next to the front door to protect their homes. However, some are confident that this little item can bring them good luck during a casino session and never visit gaming venues without it. Last but not least, whistling indoors and certain hand gestures are completely unacceptable in Italy, especially in places where high risks are involved.
China: The Role of Colors and Numbers in Superstitions
In most countries, gambling myths are based on numbers, and China is no exception. Currently, casino gaming is prohibited in the region, but it was a common form of entertainment in past centuries. The number 8 is the most favorable in Chinese culture, as it sounds like “wealth” in their native language. This made it one of the popular numbers in horse racing, lotteries, and other betting-related activities. On the contrary, 4 brings bad luck and should be avoided in casinos and bookmaker shops. Gaming houses in Macau often skip table numbers with 4, and players avoid bets involving this number, as its pronunciation sounds similar to “death.”
Colors also have cultural significance in China. Wearing red (symbolizing good luck) or gold (representing prosperity) while gambling is thought to attract good fortune. In addition to these superstitions, Chinese residents used to tie all activities to the lunar calendar. They consulted these sources to select the most favorable days to place a wager and become a winner. In reality, these superstitions just gave people the illusion of control, as gambling activities have been unpredictable for centuries.
Ireland: Fairies and Four-Leaf Clover
The four-leaf clover is probably one of the most renowned symbols of good luck. Although this belief is common in many parts of the globe, it originated in Ireland. To this day, bettors carry this symbol when they place predictions on preferred sports, being confident that it can affect the outcome. Few nations are as steeped in tales of luck and magic as the residents of Ireland are. “The Luck of the Irish” is a commonly believed concept, indicating that people in the state can attract fortune and always remain resilient.
Horse racing traditions are truly unique in the state. Bettors can consistently bet on the same participant if it has at least once brought them a win. No matter what changes occur on the racetrack, Irish punters are likely to support one horse for a lifetime. The country’s folklore has made a significant contribution to gambling-related legends and superstitions. Authentic tales warn bettors to avoid placing wagers at crossroads or in places where fairies live. Of course, modern people never believe that these myths can be true. However, some punters joke about “making fairies angry” if their bet doesn’t bring the desired outcome.