Blog article and video script for a Reno, Nevada casino.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkt7wZVSsWo

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Casino Rituals and Superstitions

Why do gamblers blow on their dice before throwing them? This and other rituals and superstitions are as old as gambling itself. Here are some of the things gamblers do for good luck.

Some players don’t shave, shower or bathe before going to the casino. Others wear clothes they wore during a previous big win. Others take long bubble baths, wear red or “dress to the nines” for luck. Fellow gamblers may prefer that last method!

In the Middle Ages, people would ward off witches by making the sign of the cross. In modern days, we cross our fingers for good luck. It’s more socially acceptable, and you can keep it to yourself if you want.

Knocking on wood, or your table, is thought to be lucky. Ancient pagans believed that trees –made of wood — housed powerful spirits. Touching a tree acknowledged the spirits, who would then protect you from bad luck.

Some gamblers think a rabbit’s foot is lucky. Maybe not so much for the rabbit! More than 10 million rabbit’s foot keychains and rabbit foot charms are sold in the U.S. each year. This superstition comes from Africa where the rabbit symbolized fertility and fortune. After all, rabbits are a prolific bunch.

Slot machines work on randomness. But this doesn’t stop gamblers from thinking they can coax a machine into a payout. You will see people talking to slot machines, fondling or even kissing them. Some people think kicking a slot machine will “loosen it up” so it will pay out.  Whatever ritual you believe will win, please be nice to our machines!

Some players walk around a table — in a particular direction or a certain number of times for good luck.

Many hotels have installed wishing wells or fountains so players can throw in a coin and make a wish to win big in the casino. This ritual is very lucky for the hotels and casinos – they make thousands of dollars in loose change each year.

Walk through any casino, and you will see people holding dolls, teddy bears, horseshoes, and other lucky charms. Wishniks or Trolls are popular. Some keep their lucky charms out in the open. Others hide them for secret luck.

So why do gamblers blow on dice? There are two stories about this. In the early days of casinos, gamblers would try to cheat by coating one side of the dice with glue that only became sticky when it was blown on. The other explanation comes from street games. Blowing on dice — cleaned off the dust.

None of these rituals or superstitions are proven to increase your odds of winning. But then again, you never know…