Betting Superstitions From Around the Globe

Even though some may tell you that profiting in sports betting is simple if you follow a distinct set of rules and use the right tools, that is incorrect. It is extremely difficult to remain profitable in the long run with this pastime, which is why many consider it a primarily entertainment-based activity rather than a prime money-making opportunity. The obstacles gamblers face in staying out of the red are not to be underestimated, which is why it should come as no surprise that many have leaned on various superstitions as a means of helping them move into the black.

As most of us know, superstitions are beliefs or practices that seek aid from supernatural forces or forces we do not understand to assist us in completing various endeavors. For the most part, these irrational convictions involve looking for luck through paranormal entities, spirits, quasi-sciences like astrology, and so on, and they entail clinging to amulets, following distinct rules, and engaging in different rituals that will hopefully bring about good fortune. Each culture has these, and given that sports betting has created a subculture of its own, it has its superstitions that fans of wagering hobbies partake in to get as much supernatural influence as possible for success.

It goes without saying that rituals are deeply woven into human behavior. They give us a sense of control and even confidence in uncertain situations by making us believe that we can affect our circumstances. Hence, bettors from around the world have adopted specific ways of acting, many influenced by their cultural backgrounds, and that is what we explore below.

Asian Betting Superstitions

If you are not from Asia, then you probably have no idea that the number four is associated with death in East Asian nations. It is an unlucky number, and in Cantonese, its pronunciation is very close to that of the word for death. They are nearly homophonous in the Cantonese dialect. Thus, Chinese and most Asian gamblers do not like this number and try to stay away. It essentially has the same role that thirteen has in Western cultures. The Japanese, on the other hand, dislike the number nine, as it sounds like suffering or pain in their language.

As for the Chinese, residents of our planet’s most populous country also see red as a color of prosperity and perceive it as lucky. Some go so far as to surround themselves with red items when gambling to invite good fortune, or they send in bets using red envelopes.

Thais believe whistling attracts bad spirits and chases away good ones, especially at night. This stems from their cultural belief that whistling calls ghosts to whoever is doing it.

Lastly, regarding Asian superstitions, we have heard that Filipinos like to cross their fingers over coins, as they think this may trap good luck. That is not shocking, given that crossing finger is a universal symbol for luck almost everywhere now.

European Gambling Old Wives’ Tales

The cliché one is avoiding black cats, as these are bad omens in most parts of the Old Continent. In many places, it is bad luck if black cats cross in front of you, so it is best to turn away as soon as you see them, particularly if you are planning on gambling.

That is a fairly general European belief that people from other continents share. A few beliefs distinct to Europe are that Greeks believe that betting with one’s left hand can bring misfortune, and Scots believe that carrying acorns brings good luck. The latter is from Celtic mythology, where acorns are powerful talismans for fertility. They represent growth and new beginnings.

What Do South Americans Believe In

Blowing on money, dice, or anything used in gambling for luck apparently comes from South America, with this practice seen as attracting success. The Argentinians allegedly like to turn coins several times before betting, as they think this turns luck in their favor, or so we have heard, and Peruvians like to avoid eating fish before gambling, as they believe that because fish are slippery, consuming them can make their luck slip out of their grasp.

Strange North American Notions

A rabbit’s foot is an amulet for good luck, and this belief is held in many places on Earth. That said, it is most popular in the US, where historians claim that it draws its roots from Hoodoo, a type of folk magic. Some sources state that for this good luck charm to be effective, it must be taken from a rabbit on a full moon or on a Friday that falls on the 13^th of a month. Naturally, carrying around a rabbit’s foot when gambling has largely fallen out of favor, but some people still do it. The same goes for keeping a four-leaf clover in their pocket, which is believed to enhance luck. That, too, originated from Celtic culture, later embraced by Christians, and spread to the US via the many Irish immigrants who came to the States.

Another American superstition is betting in threes, as there is a thought that good and bad things come in threes. But, we do not recommend anyone using this train of thought for parlays, as that is generally a bad idea.

To avoid leaving out Mexico, we would like to add that Mexicans fear mirrors before betting, as they believe these items reflect their luck away.

African Rituals

South Africans are known for carrying pebbles or small stones as lucky charms, something rooted in indigenous traditions where stones are symbols of stability. Nigerians have many superstitions about water, one of the more well-known ones being that fetching water from a well at night brings bad spirits. Another is that sprinkling water on one’s hand can cleanse a person of negative energy.

Kenyans do not like eye contact when gambling, as they think this may cause them to experience unwanted energy. Ethiopians also have a heavy belief in the evil eye theory, and unlike most of the world, Ethiopians believe that the left side is the lucky one. So, Ethiopian gamblers like to keep their betting funds in their left pocket or place bets using their left hand.

Oceanian Wagering Superstitions

Old school Australian gamblers, like Nigerians, also like to wash their hands before betting to rid themselves of negative energy. New Zealanders should not like betting from home, as their culture holds that the home should be a sacred and neutral space. Yet, many residents of this nation love online gambling, a part of the world where touching the ground is a source of good luck, an act of connecting to the Earth’s energy. At least, that is what the internet told us.

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