Superstitions: Why A Person Wins Or Loses
Some studies have concluded that superstitions actually develop and are the basis behind future gambling plays. When a person wins, he/she will try to discern what happened during that winning period. The person may think that what they’re wearing is a good luck charm. When a person loses, they may also look for reasons for their loss. If a person is losing more than two sessions with a certain dealer, they may feel that the dealer is unlucky or just cannot be beaten.
Of course, not every superstition is created because of personal observations; some gamblers actually follow the beliefs because they’ve heard about it for years and years. They choose to believe that something is unlucky and avoid it (such as the numbers 13 in America or 4 in South Korea). Some people will actually test it to discover if anything actually comes about. For instance, you choose to cross your legs while you play Poker because you believe it is actually bad luck. Guess what? You’ll lose because subconsciously believe you’re going to lose anyway. When you do lose, you just reinforced this belief.
Selective Amnesia and Gamblers – Popular Superstitions Seen (and Heard) In Gambling
What does it mean when gamblers have “selective amnesia”? Basically, it means the gambler remembers only things that go hand in hand with their beliefs. With superstitions, the gambler may believe it because they’ve heard other people repeat them. Here are some common gambling superstitions you may have heard (and some you may not have yet).
Coming Through Casino Entrance – Some gamblers believe that coming through the casino’s main entrance is bad luck. In fact, the Las Vegas MGM casino (themed after MGM film studios) created a main entrance in the shape of a lion. Many superstitious gamblers felt the entrance way was doubly cursed and would go in another way.
Never Holding $50 Bills – There are many gamblers who absolutely refuse to hold a $50 bill or accept them as payment. In fact, many casinos won’t even hand out $50 bills and those that do will find that many gamblers will not accept them. It’s not uncommon to find people who don’t want $2 bills either because they may also be unlucky.
Counting Money – Many people believe that counting money while they’re playing is bad luck. For that reason, they’ll count their money after they leave a table.
Singing/Whistling – Some gamblers feel that whistling or singing while they’re playing against the house is bad luck. This reasoning is thought to come from the superstition of whistling/singing while walking by a graveyard.
Red Clothing – There is an Asian superstition about wearing red when gambling. However, many people tend to wear their favorite color when they gamble, thinking it’s their good luck charm.
Crossing Legs – Some people won’t cross their legs when they gamble because they believe that this sitting position is bad luck.
Gambling…. Really All Just Harmless Fun
Now, many people have one or two superstitions when it comes to gambling. The idea is not to let those superstitions guide your actions, as the main idea is to have fun. If you think something will give you good luck then it certainly cannot hurt to bring it with you or think of it. If you think you’re feeling lucky, you’re going to be happy and enjoy yourself.
