Casinos are places where luck is king, and superstition has found a permanent home among gamblers. From touching the slot machine before pulling the lever to never counting money at the table, gambling rituals run deep. But one of the strangest superstitions to persist across different cultures is the belief that wearing red underwear can bring luck at the casino.
While some may laugh at the idea, there are many gamblers who refuse to step foot in a casino without this hidden “lucky charm.” Whether it’s a cultural tradition, a psychological boost, or simply a fun ritual, the connection between gambling success and red underwear has an intriguing history.
The Cultural Origins of Red as a Lucky Color
The belief in red as a lucky color is rooted in multiple cultural traditions, particularly in Asia and parts of Europe. In many countries, red symbolizes prosperity, fortune, and protection from misfortune.
1. Chinese New Year and the Power of Red
In Chinese culture, red is the ultimate symbol of good fortune. During Chinese New Year, people wear red clothing, decorate their homes with red lanterns, and exchange money in red envelopes called hongbao to bring prosperity for the year ahead. This belief extends to gambling as well. Many Chinese gamblers wear red clothing—especially red underwear—when they visit a casino, believing it enhances their luck.
2. Italian Tradition: Red Underwear for the New Year
Italy has its own long-standing superstition about red underwear. On New Year’s Eve, Italians wear red undergarments as a way to invite good luck, love, and success for the coming year. This tradition is so popular that shops in Italy stock up on red underwear in December, knowing that many will follow the custom.
Since many gamblers associate casinos with the same concept of fortune and new beginnings, it’s no surprise that the practice of wearing red underwear made its way to gambling superstition.
3. Spanish and Latin American Customs
In Spain and parts of Latin America, a similar tradition exists where people wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to attract prosperity. Some believe that red helps ward off bad energy and invites financial success, making it a natural fit for casino-goers who want to improve their odds.
The Psychological Advantage of Wearing Red
Superstitions often have a psychological component, and the belief in red underwear as a good luck charm may have more to do with mindset than actual magic.
1. The Power of Confidence
Wearing something that you associate with luck can give you a mental boost. Gamblers who believe in the power of red underwear often walk into the casino feeling more confident and in control. This self-assured attitude can lead to better decision-making and a greater willingness to take risks, which can sometimes result in bigger wins.
2. The Placebo Effect
The placebo effect is a well-documented phenomenon in which believing something will help actually leads to better results. If a gambler truly believes that red underwear brings luck, their positive mindset may influence their gameplay. They might stay in the game longer, make smarter bets, or simply feel more comfortable taking chances—all of which can contribute to a more successful night.
3. The Color Red and Its Psychological Impact
Studies in color psychology suggest that red is associated with energy, power, and dominance. It’s the color of urgency, which is why it’s often used in marketing and sales. Some studies even suggest that wearing red can make a person appear more attractive and confident. This heightened sense of power might explain why some gamblers feel more “in control” when wearing red underwear.
Real Stories: Gamblers Who Swear by Red Underwear
There are countless gamblers who take this superstition seriously, from casual players to high-stakes rollers. Some have even credited their biggest wins to following this unusual ritual.
1. The Vegas High Roller Who Never Gambles Without Red
One Las Vegas high roller, known only as “Big Red,” has made a habit of wearing red underwear every time he steps into a casino. According to his own accounts, he first hit a massive jackpot while wearing a pair of red boxers and has never looked back since. Whether it’s true luck or a deeply ingrained belief, he refuses to gamble without them.
2. The Woman Who Tested the Theory
A self-proclaimed skeptic decided to put the superstition to the test. She played roulette wearing regular clothes with no special rituals and lost nearly every spin. The next day, she returned wearing red underwear and had one of her best winning streaks ever. While she admits it was probably coincidence, she now considers red underwear her personal lucky charm.
3. The Group of Friends Who Make It a Tradition
A group of casino enthusiasts from Singapore have turned the red underwear superstition into a fun tradition. Every time they visit a casino together, they all wear red undergarments as part of their routine. Whether they win or lose, they believe it enhances the excitement of the night and sets the tone for a positive gambling experience.
Other Superstitions That Gamblers Follow
Red underwear isn’t the only lucky ritual gamblers swear by. Many players combine multiple superstitions in an effort to increase their chances of winning.
1. Blowing on Dice
Popularized in movies, blowing on dice before rolling them is a common superstition in craps. Some players believe this act “activates” the luck within the dice.
2. Avoiding the Number 13
Many casinos don’t have a 13th floor, and gamblers often avoid betting on 13, believing it to be unlucky. Some even refuse to sit in the 13th seat at a poker table.
3. Never Counting Money at the Table
Many gamblers believe that counting money while still playing is bad luck. They prefer to wait until they leave the casino before checking their winnings.
4. Sitting Before Gambling
In some cultures, particularly in China, gamblers will sit down for a few minutes before heading to the casino, symbolizing patience and stability before taking risks.
5. Lucky Charms and Objects
Many players carry personal lucky items, such as rabbit’s feet, coins, or even specific jewelry, to bring fortune to their bets.
The Science vs. The Superstition
Skeptics argue that gambling is purely a game of numbers and probability, with no room for luck-enhancing rituals. From a mathematical standpoint, every bet in a casino has a set probability, and wearing red underwear doesn’t change the odds.
However, even in the world of logic and statistics, there is one undeniable truth: belief is powerful. If a gambler walks into a casino feeling lucky, they may play better, take smarter risks, and avoid common pitfalls—simply because they feel like fortune is on their side.
Superstitions have been around for centuries and will likely continue to shape how people approach gambling. Whether based on cultural traditions, personal experiences, or just the fun of following a ritual, the mystery of red underwear remains one of the most intriguing—and enduring—gambling superstitions.