Casinos are filled with flashing lights, spinning wheels, and stacks of chips—but they’re also full of superstition. Some gamblers refuse to sit at certain tables, others bring lucky charms, and some even follow bizarre rituals before placing a bet. While casinos rely on math and probabilities, many players believe luck can be influenced by mystical forces. Here are some of the strangest superstitions in the gambling world.

1. The “Unlucky $50 Bill” Curse

In Las Vegas, some gamblers refuse to accept or use $50 bills. The superstition traces back to the days of mob-run casinos, where it’s said that gangsters would place $50 bills in the pockets of people they killed before burying them in the desert. Whether or not that’s true, many Vegas gamblers still avoid $50s like the plague.

2. Blowing on Dice – A Hollywood Myth?

We’ve all seen movies where a gambler blows on the dice before rolling them in craps. But does this actually work? The origin of this superstition is unclear, but some believe it started with cheating players who would blow on the dice to apply moisture, making them more likely to land a certain way. Despite this, many modern players still blow on their dice for good luck.

3. Wearing Red for Good Fortune

In Asian gambling culture, the color red is associated with good luck and prosperity. Many high rollers in Macau and other Asian casinos wear red underwear, red shirts, or even red socks when gambling. Some players refuse to enter a casino unless they have at least one red item on them.

4. Crossing Your Legs = Crossing Out Your Luck

Some gamblers believe that crossing your legs while playing (especially at a poker table) is a bad omen. The logic? It symbolizes “crossing out” your luck, leading to a losing streak. While this belief is not universal, you’ll notice that many seasoned gamblers sit with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

5. The “Lucky Entry Ritual”

Some gamblers believe that the way they enter a casino determines their luck. A few common rituals include:

• Entering with the right foot first (especially in China).
• Holding your breath until you see a winning hand.
• Avoiding looking at the casino’s ceiling, as it’s believed to “trap” your luck.

6. Lucky and Unlucky Numbers

Numbers play a huge role in gambling superstitions:

• Lucky numbers: In Chinese culture, the number 8 is the luckiest, as it sounds like “prosperity” in Mandarin. Many players try to bet on 8 or play at tables with the number 8.
• Unlucky numbers: The number 4 is avoided because it sounds like the word for “death” in many Asian languages. Some casinos even skip the 4th floor entirely!

7. The “First Hand Curse”

Some gamblers believe that if you win big on your first bet, it’s a bad sign. They argue that an early win means luck is being used up too quickly, leading to losses later. Some players even refuse to bet large on their first few hands, fearing this curse.