From ancient Roman dice games, all the way to the modern Las Vegas casinos and online gambling platforms, the concept of luck has been very important for casino players. A large portion of gamblers have their so-called ‘lucky charms’ – symbols or items that are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Regardless of how gamblers perceive them, the presence of good luck symbols in casino gaming is simply undeniable. So, let’s investigate the significance of lucky charms – from their psychological impacts to their role in modern online casino gaming. After all, at least spotting them can add a bit of intrigue to your gameplay.
The Psychology Behind Lucky Charms
Basic psychology linked to this matter is very simple – the belief in lucky charms originates from the human tendency to seek patterns that can help them be in control in uncertain situations in life. To put it more simply – people will attribute success or failure to an object.
Sometimes referred to as magical thinking, lucky charm symbols can provide comfort and confidence for casino players. That way, they think they can boost performance in various environments – when playing slots or table games, for example.
On the other hand, scientific research on lucky charms in gambling remains quite scarce. All studies we stumbled across linked to this subject indicate mixed results. Some have presented proof that players have better decision-making when being guided by lucky charms, while other studies find no significant correlation.
Regardless of the lack of evidence, the prevalence of good-luck symbols persists in the modern gambling culture.
Good Luck Symbols in Different Cultures Incorporated in Gambling
Various objects are viewed as good-luck charms across different cultures. Let’s explore them more so you know how to recognise them the next time you play your favourite slot machines.
Horseshoe
Some believe that this lucky charm symbol dates back to the eighth century. The Chaldeans believed that the crescent shape (moon-like) represented moon goddesses and protected them from curses of the evil eye. Even the first slot machine – the Liberty Bell, manufactured in 1899, featured horseshoes, so you can see their impact on all gambling cultures.
Rabbit’s Feet
Celtic tribes believed that rabbits could communicate with gods and good spirits, as they spent most of their time underground. As a result, they gained the belief that people carrying a rabbit’s foot can do exactly the same. Back in the 17th century, people believed that rabbit’s feet could stave off arthritis as well. This token of luck now prominently features in modern casino gambling.
Clovers and Shamrocks
Four-leaf clover symbols are rare, and for centuries, the Irish have seen them as lucky charms for people who find them. Four leaves are said to represent faith, hope, love and success, hence their widespread presence in online casinos.
There are numerous slot games that incorporate clovers as part of their theme, and you can find them in all top-class casinos.
To add even more appeal, some platforms provide diverse incentives like free spins no deposit keep winnings offers that may be tied to such titles. They allow players to try their hand with clover-themed titles and other casino activities without making a deposit while keeping all the gains from their extra spins.
It’s a perfect way to try your luck and maybe even turn that four-leaf clover into a real cash prize!
Gold
Gold is not just a mere symbol of wealth – it has also risen to popularity as a good-luck symbol. The idea of this probably originates from the US and Canada in the 19th century. Americans headed west to explore the realm of the gold mining trade. The gold fever in areas such as California and Nevada led to casinos emerging where miners could play casino games.
Dream Catcher
The Dream Catcher symbol originates from Native American wisdom. It represents a handmade hoop with natural materials, and it was initially believed to filter dreams. So, even though its primary role was to protect sleepers, gamblers throughout the years have reimagined its purpose. Many believe that these ancient talismans can evict bad luck. Games such as Dream Catcher by Evolution are now among the most popular titles in live casinos.
Dragons
Dragons are mythical beasts perceived as lucky in various cultures – predominantly in Asia. Throughout history, dragons were believed to be able to control rain, typhoons, and floods. Moreover, in Asia, dragons are viewed as symbols of good luck and power, with their mythical sense being also recognised by casino gamblers. Asian game providers or casinos emphasise their dragon-themed slots, a testament to their popularity.
Unicorns
The legendary one-horned flying creatures have fascinated people for a very long time. Deeply rooted in European cultures, unicorns are said to have magical powers and that they represent purity and grace. Among other powers, unicorns were said to be able to heal the sick, and their widespread presence is seen in modern gambling establishments as well.
Sevens
The number seven has various religious concepts – there are seven heavens in Islam and Judaism, while in Confucianism, the seven number represents harmony that is made up of yin-yang, and five elements. Moreover, in Buddhism, Buddha takes seven steps, so it wasn’t long before providers released various 7-themed online and land-based slots. Mainly, these are classic three-reel slot machines that don’t have many bonus features.
Ancient-Egypt Symbols
Finally, Egyptian culture is rich with numerous good-luck symbols that have also found their way into modern casino gambling. The Wadjet, the Eye of Horus, and the Scarab Beetle are some notable mentions here. As a result, nearly all industry-renowned game providers have tried their luck with Egyptian-themed online slots that often feature good-luck symbols as main icons or protagonists in mini-bonus games.
The Appeal of Good Luck Symbols – A Fascinating Aspect of Gambling Behaviour
With all the above-mentioned in mind, we can safely conclude that there is nothing wrong with believing in lucky charms. Nevertheless, we would strongly urge you to use these symbols mainly for a psychological boost.
If symbols or beliefs mentioned above help you feel more confident, then you are welcome to incorporate them in your online gambling activities but don’t forget to follow responsible gambling practices and stay in control over your spending.
