When we head to the casino, there are plenty of exciting emotions running through our minds. There is something special about the bright lights, dazzling big screens and the atmospheric sounds of a dice rolling, a wheel spinning or a slot machine buzzing that seem to encapsulate the best parts about a trip to a land-based venue. For first-time visitors, it is a remarkable experience and one that doesn’t seem to get old no matter how many times you go, or where in the world you are.
Upon entering the casino, we become players in a grand game of chance. Whether that wheel drops where we want it, or that card draws just the right hand to ensure we win big – that is all down to luck. Regardless of ones own situation in life, however regularly we bet or how much money sits in our account, when the casino games begin we are no longer masters of our own destiny- we simply have to wait in anticipation to see our outcome.
But what if luck isn’t just a random occurrence? What if a deity, an ancient god or goddess, holds sway over our fortunes?
As we explore the legacy of these deities, there are a plethora of modern gamblers that seek their favour. While historical records don’t always provide direct evidence of divine intervention leading to big wins, the allure of attempting to be at one with these ancient figures continues to captivate gamblers worldwide, even with so many changes to technology within casinos.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the deities that are most associated with luck in the casinos. Read on to find out more.
Hermes
Let’s start things off with Hermes, who was the god of trade, wealth, luck in Ancient Greece. His multifaceted role includes aspects related to luck, commerce, and communication, something every player will need a handful of when it comes to winning the biggest prizes at a casino.
Players are sometimes superstitious when it comes to the right dealer, so the communication aspect of Hermes, who had fantastic language skills, is linked to the player’s ability to speak kindly to the dealer and invoke the god for luck before rolling dice or placing bets.
Hermes also oversaw games and athletes, where it was said that he invented both wrestling and racing, for those assessing sportsbooks. He was often depicted with winged sandals, symbolising swiftness, and agility. His association with luck would be extended to games and chance as well.
Fortuna
Over to Ancient Rome now and Fortuna. Known as the goddess of luck, chance, and fortune, she holds sway over the unpredictable twists of fate. Romans sought her favour when it came to making important decisions within the Empire, some of which included gambling. Temples dedicated to Fortuna were widespread across the empire.
While players assessing the best online slot games to play may not have the Roman goddess to refer to, people believed that invoking her might tip the scales in their favour, and given that there is so much chance already in the big casino games, perhaps her influence has resulted in some favourable outcomes if that’s what the player believes.
She was often depicted with a cornucopia in hand. It is a type of horn that people believed would provide good fortune and represented her prosperity and enormous generosity, according to the philosophical works of Antique author Boethius, who had written from behind his jail cell.
Tymora
Now onto Lady Luck herself, it’s Tymora the goddess of good fortune in the Faerunian pantheon. When predecessor and former goddess Tyche, a Greek Goddess of chance, was split into two, Tymora became responsible for luck while Beshaba was named the goddess of bad luck.
Tyche’s influence extends beyond gambling to broader aspects of life. She represents the capriciousness of fate, and all of those good qualities were transcended to Tymora, who gamblers would call upon according to her status in the fictional continent of Faerun.
Last thoughts
So remember when you visit your land-based casinos, maybe for the first time, as you sip your cocktail and place your bets, to think that luck isn’t just a roll of the dice. These deities make the betting into a dance choreographed by these ancient beings according to so many gamblers. So, may the odds be ever in your favour, play responsibility and always believe, whether you are at the blackjack table, spinning a wheel, or playing a slot.
Featured image: Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
