Asian Casino Superstitions: How They Influence Online Gaming
With the prevalence of casino-type games in today's online gaming scene, many Asian players have their own special ways of dealing with the anticipation and stresses of winning the game. Many Asian cultures are old and, to this day, have practices and beliefs deeply rooted in superstition.
When it comes to playing "games of chances" in today's modern automation-oriented world, the way these games were played in the old days are a bit different when adapted to the available technologies we currently have. Rolling a die via computer and online provides results by intricate digital calculations that simulate the needed random effect within a machine as compared to the old way of rolling the actual die on a table.
Superstitions come into play with the belief that they can actually physically influence the results of a random throw or draw. However, all the operations of the game now take place within a machine, and Asians (as they are) have the propensity to cling to the old ways, believing and hoping that the old superstitions will work on a machine as well.
With that in mind, here are some superstitious practices that (as amusing as they may sound) many Asian players practice in front of their various computing devices while playing a game of chance online.
Invoking the Machine Spirit
Before pressing the key or clicking the onscreen button to execute the move, many great believers in the cosmic power of oriental destiny will usually resort to the ways that the ancient masters have taught the masses to hope and believe in. As it is said that faith can move mountains, so can a computer; here are some of those beliefs, what they are, and whence they came from.
With the ancient art of Chinese divination through numerology, there are certain numbers to avoid and to go for. An example is the number 8, which denotes wealth and prosperity. The number 4 on the other hand is to be avoided as it denotes death and 13 is said to be the number of misfortune. Therefore, it is best to always be aware as you hover your fingers over the numeric keypad.
Many Asians believe in the color of luck. The most common is red, as it represents prosperity and good fortune. So do the colors gold and yellow. So, when making spot decisions or moves, look for a gold, yellow, or red button, click on it and may the spirit of "Lucky Strike" smile on you.
Many Asians, especially in Japan, believe that invoking the spirits of their ancestors or praying to the gods (as in Shinto practices) may bring in divine luck. Therefore, they would set a table for their ancestors or burn incense as an act of supplication and invocation before playing the online game. This practice is prevalent in both Korea and China as well.
In Japan, the number zero is to be avoided in gaming as it is believed to bring bad luck. Many superstitious Japanese gamers would go out of their way to avoid betting with the number zero involved. Understandable, and maybe why they lost WW2 because they named their foremost fighter planes, the "Zero".
Believe it or not, but some Asian online bettors practice the principles of Feng Shui even with online gaming. Make sure to be in the proper position with respect to the compass, the door, the windows, the floor, the ceiling, and align that energy flow to hit the jackpot! If you have a "Loupan" at hand, much better.
Many Asians believe in the power of the amulet. The lucky charm's the charm. Make sure to have your jade stones, gold Buddha figures, or other items that bring good luck. If you have a lucky online device, use that to play the game, as it might be your electronic amulet.
In Chinese culture, there are days of the lunar calendar that are considered luckier than the others. An example is the Chinese New Year, which is believed to bring good luck to those who play.
Many Asian/Chinese gamers believe in the luck of the number 3. “Third Time’s the Charm,” as the rule goes, so always make sure to repeat a wager 3 times to hit the jackpot.
Lastly, in China, there is such a thing as the “Lucky Bird”. A sight of a bird, especially a pigeon or dove, brings good luck to the game. If you have a pet parrot, myna, or the rooster you have in the yard, be sure to have it around when you start playing online. After all, except for the rooster, these birds can talk and give you clues on the right moves to hit the jackpot!
Influence of the Machine Spirit
As it is, there is no conclusive evidence that practiced superstitions actually increase a player’s chances of winning. What they do is enhance the casino gaming experience by providing comfort, a sense of control, and positive vibes or reinforcement.
They help players feel like they have a connection to something bigger and even divine, whether it's good luck, ancestors, or fate, even if that connection will not guarantee and influence the underlying odds of the game. Beliefs can boost confidence and create a more enjoyable gaming experience even if one is not likely to win in a measurable and practical sense, but it does help in enhancing one's positive mindset, which has proven effective in achieving one's goals.
