Chinese Gambling – What to do and what not to do

We have compiled a comprehensive list of Chinese gambling superstitions and taboos. While these are no longer believed or followed by all Chinese, many of these are still being followed by the more superstitious among Chinese gamblers. Though these apply mostly to land based casinos, many can be applied to online casino as well.

Gambling Don’ts

• Never count money while you are gambling whether it is money you win or money you lose.
• If you speak Cantonese, never mention anything to do with “books” when gambling in China as the word is similar to the word “lose”.
• Do not gamble after having seen either monks or nuns.
• It is important not to touch or hit another person’s shoulder while gambling.
• Whether male or female do not have sex before gambling.
• Never enter a casino by the main entrance if you believe in Feng Shui.
• Avoid checking into an unlucky hotel room number such as 4 or 14.
• Try not to win from the outset as this means that you will lose money in the long run.

Chinese Gambling Dos

• It is considered lucky to wear a red element of clothing such as underwear.
• If you are on a losing streak it is advisable to go to the toilet which brings you luck.
• If you are not worried about your electricity bill, leave on all the lights in your house before going out to gamble.
• Stay in a hotel room with a lucky Chinese number such as 8, 13, 18, 168, 198 or 798 and yes number 13 is considered lucky in Chinese culture.
• It is believed that there is a baby ghost hiding behind all gambling tables which must be fed with something such as sugar so that you may win or not be stopped from losing.
• Baccarat and Blackjack players should call out the word “Deng” in Cantonese before turning over the cards.
• Prior to going on a gambling trip you should make an offering to the gods.
• The day before the lottery draw it is advisable to pray.
• If you are so lucky to win a lottery draw it is well seen to make an offering or pray to the gods to thank them for your good fortune.
• Observe the world around you and look for significant numbers the day before the lottery draw such as someone’s anniversary, as this could be the winning numbers.

We hope you enjoyed our listing of all the rituals and superstitions of gambling in Chinese culture and that you will keep them in mind the next time you are in Macau sitting at a gambling table. Don’t forget to feed the baby ghost!