To Gamble or Not Gamble on Friday the 13th?

Friday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck. We look at superstition and how it affects online gambling practices.

Over the years, humans have conjured up many superstitions linked to numbers, trinkets, and other emblems. Of all the numbers, poor old 13 can’t get rid of the unlucky superstition that surrounds it.

For some, Friday the 13th is a day to tread carefully by avoiding ladders, black cats, and risky decisions. For others, it’s an opportunity to test fate, lean into the thrill, and maybe even place a few bets?

But the big question for many avid casino players is whether or not it’s a good idea to gamble on Friday the 13th at all.

Lucky or unlucky?

For many players, the number 13 is considered a number that brings bad luck. It’s why you’ll find that there is no room 13 in hotels or why in many tall buildings, no floor 13 can be found. If you think about any large casinos, many skip the 13th floor, too.

The fear of the number 13 is real as it has to do with all things bad that happen on that day. Some believe 13 is an evil number because it follows the number 12, which is considered perfection.

There are many superstitions around the world, just as there are many rituals for luck that players choose to do whenever they are seeking luck.

Friday the 13th has become a day connected to bad luck. It’s a day where people tend to avoid broken mirrors, opening up umbrellas inside, or stepping under ladders. Many tend to run and hide when they catch sight of a black cat.

Fun fact: Did you know that the unreasoned fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia?

The number 13 has been dubbed unlucky for many reasons, dating back to the Last Supper, where Judas betrayed Jesus. He was the 13th to sit at the table. Then there are also the 13 steps to the gallows.

Where is 13 considered a lucky number?

You may think that 13 has a bad rap all around the world, but that is not the case. The number 13 has been known as a lucky number in various regions.

While Western cultures tend to consider it an unlucky number, it is regarded as very lucky in Italy and China. The latter considers it lucky because it sounds like the word ‘sure life.’

How does Friday the 13th affect online gambling?

The online casino industry is all about luck. This is why it’s almost expected that many tend to avoid playing their favourite games on this ‘dark’ day.

Online casinos have been seen awarding special cashback bonuses to unlucky players and various other promotions on Friday the 13th. The many special promotions available on Friday the 13th make you wonder how many people tend to avoid playing games on this day.

On the other hand, you might just find that the bad luck of some turns to the good fortune of others. Where some casino players avoid playing on Friday the 13th, others flock to their favourite casinos to embrace the day. Casinos in Monaco and Italy have seen an increase in gamblers, especially on slot machines, on Friday the 13th.

The Italians are particularly attached to the number 13 - so much so that they call winning a jackpot ‘fare il tredici’, which translates to ‘making the 13’ in English.

Let’s not forget that many casino players try their luck betting 13 black on the roulette wheel. Other ancient cultures celebrate the number 13 in connection to the goddesses of the Divine Feminine and physical regeneration. Some players choose to face fears head-on, tempting the fates and showing that the 13th is just another number that can be anything you make of it.

Finding balance

So, should you gamble on Friday the 13th? The answer lies somewhere between fun and responsibility. If superstition makes the day feel unlucky for you, there’s no harm in sitting out.

If you see it as an extra thrill, go ahead, but remember, gambling is never about beating fate. It’s about entertainment. Win or lose, your luck doesn’t rely on the calendar date, but on chance.

Friday the 13th is no different from any other day. Slot machines spin randomly, cards are shuffled with the same odds, and sports outcomes depend on athletes, not the date today.

But psychology plays a powerful role in gambling. Believing you’re unlucky might cause more cautious play or riskier decisions, while feeling “immune to superstition” might boost confidence and make the game more enjoyable.

Either way, it's up to you to decide whether it's your day to play at an online casino or not. The more important thing is always to play responsibly. If you are feeling lucky, remember to be careful and follow a budget rather than spend it all on a single bet.

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By Stelly

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Journalism & PR, SEO Writing, Content Writing, International Gambling Markets

Hey, I'm Stelly! I oversee the whole content at CasinoWow, from breaking gambling news to in-depth guides and game coverage. My job is to make sure everything we publish is accurate, useful, and genuinely worth reading for every type of player.

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Last updated: | Updated: September 10, 2025

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To gamble or not gamble on Friday the 13th?

Lucky or unlucky?

Where is 13 considered a lucky number?

How does Friday the 13th affect online gambling?