Gamblers are a superstitious lot and love to attribute at least some of their luck to number and number combination choices. Online casino games, in particular, attract a lot of superstition, but fortunately, we each have our own personal unlucky and lucky numbers. If we all played the same numbers, the stakes would be pretty boring.
Along with our lucky talismans and charms – maybe it’s a rabbit’s foot, horseshoe or a Chinese lucky charm, like a money toad or a dragon –– we often invoke specific numbers according to religious symbolism, linguistic references, cultural connotations or simply the energy a number denotes for us.
Significance of Numbers
What are these numbers and why are they significant – sometimes for completely opposing reasons – depending on where we are in the world?
Number 13 – Universally the Unluckiest Number
Although the number 13 has a Christian significance, it is possibly the most iconic unlucky number and is universally avoided. Airlines keep away from seat row number 13, restaurants skip table 13 and some hotels even jump from 12 to 14 to avoid putting guests in what would be an unpopular room. Said to refer to Judas, who was the 13th disciple and who betrayed Jesus at the Last Supper, number 13 is perhaps one of the least played numbers in any form of betting.
Number 3
Considered in many countries to be a lucky number – fairy tales, after all, grant us three wishes – three in Mandarin sounds like “apart,” so for many Chinese people, it’s not so lucky. Next time two good things happen to you consider that similar events are said to happen in three, so listen to Lady Luck and cross your fingers for that winning streak.
Number 4
Maybe you spent many hours as a child hunting for an elusive four-leaf clover, believing it would bring untold luck in your life, but this number is another Chinese unlucky number. In the Mandarin language, it rhymes with the word for “death,” so it is avoided at all costs in Chinese culture.
Number 7
Anyone who is a fan of slots will tell you that the number 7 is definitely lucky. If you can pull three in a row, it’s jackpot slots time!
Given that there were seven wonders of the ancient world and that there are seven seas, seven days of the week and seven colors in the natural light spectrum (think of a rainbow,) then 7 is right up there with lucky numbers favored by gamers.
Of course, elsewhere in the world, the number 7 has a different connotation and in this case, it’s in China, Thailand and Vietnam, where the seventh month is the month of the ghost, so the people of this region consider it inauspicious.
Number 8
It’s likely that in China, 8 ranks among the most played number since it equates to wealth. In the West, the popularity of the much-trusted Magic 8 Ball has invested magical powers of prediction in this number. Ask the ball a “yes” or “no” question and wait for its answer. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you!
Unfortunately for those belonging to the Hindu religion, the number 8 is associated with the planet Saturn, which brings misery and misfortune, so it’s less popular with them.
Number 9
Could two nations have more differing views on a single number? For the Japanese, the number 9 spoken out loud sounds like “torture” and “suffering.” Maybe if you’ve played the number and lost, that’s a little how it feels. For the Chinese, however, the number 9 signifies longevity. Plenty more opportunities to try your luck!
In Norwegian mythology, the number is sacred, so if, in live dealer casino games, you happen to see a tall, blond stranger placing his bet on the number 9, he might just be Norwegian!
Number 17
Few but the Italians seem to have feelings either way for the number 17, but an anagram of the Roman numerals that make up this number spell “vixi,” which, in Latin, means “I have lived.” That’s to say, game over. And if it’s live dealer blackjack you’re playing and you draw cards to 17, it’s up to you to stay or try your luck for a 4!
Number 666
This triple repeat has sinister overtones for anyone who knows their Bible. The Sign of the Beast, 666 has become synonymous with Satan, although interestingly, for the Chinese, it means “everything goes smoothly.” Plain sailing for some, but not so much for others!
Odd Vs. Even Numbers
In Russia, even numbers, whose balance and symmetry may be pleasing for some, are considered to be unlucky and bouquets of flowers should never contain an even number of stems (unless you wish the recipient ill!) Conversely, odd numbers are felt to be lucky. This might add a new meaning to the term Russian Roulette!
Other Numbers
As well as these recognized lucky-for-some-but-not-others numbers, people like to create their own lucky numbers using birth dates, anniversaries and other combinations of digits with perceived special numerical properties. Some claim numbers are lucky based purely on their occurrence in nature (five senses, five points of a starfish) or mathematical formulae, for example, 1.618, the so-called Golden Ratio, or 3.141, which is the value of Pi.
There are entire websites dedicated to the generation of so-called lucky numbers, but all gamblers must remember that the outcomes of casino online betting, games, races, matches and even online slots are created through Random Number Generators.
This effectively means that lucky numbers cannot be predictors themselves of any result and are purely a way for many people to select numbers. It’s hard to say why the gods look favorably on one number in one country but choose to deny it the same properties in another. Superstitions, upbringing, cultural background, religious beliefs and language all have a role to play in determining how people see numbers and whether they believe they may bring luck – or not.
Get Lucky at Borgata Online
Regardless of the numbers you choose, Borgata Online has a game for you. If you’re feeling lucky and think the numbers are aligned, register to play a full range of online casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette and online slots. There are also regular online poker tournaments as well as multiple sports betting options for sports fans.