FIVE CRAZY YET COMMON SPORTS BETTING SUPERSTITIONS

Have you ever wondered about the strange and bizarre rituals that players, punters, and sports enthusiasts have before and during games?Well, it's a wild world out there!

The world of sports sees many rituals and odd superstitions from players, punters and sports fans alike. Even basketball superstar Michael Jordan had his own superstition. He used to wear his old North Carolina college shorts under his Chicago Bulls suit for good luck. And don't even get us started on Tiger Woods, who always donned a red shirt on the last day of major events since his college days. He stuck with it out of pure superstition.

But the craziness doesn't end there. In 2008, the coaches of a Zimbabwean football club sent their players to the legendary Zambezi River to purify themselves of evil spirits, thinking it was the best way to break a string of losses. Yep, we've seen it all.

It's no wonder then that betting superstitions are just as prevalent among individuals who gamble on their favorite sports teams. In fact, according to an article by Mirror, two out of five sports fans admit to having a pre-game ritual to improve their chances of a good result. Some bettors swear by their superstitions. They think it’s why their ticket didn’t “cut”, while others believe it's pure nonsense. 

So, hold on tight because we're about to explore some of the weirdest and craziest sports betting superstitions and rituals out there:

WEARING LUCKY CLOTHES

First up, we have the classic superstition of wearing lucky clothes. Yep, you heard that right! Some sports bettors believe that wearing certain clothes or accessories can bring them good luck. It could be a lucky shirt, hat, or even a pair of undies. Some folks even believe that certain colors, patterns, or fabrics can increase their chances of winning big.

For instance, during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, many Brazilian fans believed that wearing a specific yellow jersey with green trim brought them good luck. They called it the "Canarinho Amarelo," or "Yellow Canary," and it quickly became a lucky charm for the team's supporters. 

Similarly, some people may wear lucky accessories, such as a particular piece of jewelry or a talisman. This could be anything from a horseshoe to a rabbit's foot, and the idea is that these objects will bring good luck and help them win their bets.

USING LUCKY NUMBERS

Many sports bettors have their own set of lucky numbers that they use when placing wagers. Some folks swear that certain numbers are luckier than others, while others might use numbers that have a personal significance to them. For example, they might use the numbers of their favorite players or the jersey numbers of their favorite teams.

But it doesn't stop there. Some sports bettors go the extra mile and use numerology or astrology to help them pick their lucky numbers. They might think that certain times of the day or phases of the moon can affect the outcome of a game, and place their bets accordingly. Some even consult their horoscopes or use astrological charts to determine the best time to place their bets.

KISSING ONE’S BETSLIP

Kissing one's betslip is a superstition that has been around for a long time, and it's still popular among many sports bettors today. The idea behind it is that by kissing your betslip, you'll bring good luck and increase your chances of winning. 

But it's not just a matter of simply kissing the betslip. Many sports bettors have specific rituals they follow when kissing their betslip, such as kissing it three times or blowing on it before placing it on the counter. Some bettors even carry their betslip around with them throughout the day, kissing it periodically to keep the good luck flowing.

One example of this superstition in action comes from a professional sports bettor named Billy Walters. He once kissed his betslip before placing a $3.5 million bet on the New Orleans Saints to win the Super Bowl. The Saints went on to win the game, and Walters walked away with a massive payout.

CROSSING OF FINGERS

Another superstition that some sports bettors follow is the act of crossing their fingers while placing a bet. They believe that by doing so, they can increase their chances of winning. This belief is rooted in the idea that crossing your fingers creates a positive energy that can influence the outcome of a game or protect their ticket selection.

According to the belief, by crossing one’s fingers, a person may invoke a positive energy that can help you make better predictions and increase your luck. Some sports bettors may also combine this gesture with other lucky rituals, such as wearing a specific item of clothing or carrying a lucky charm. It may seem like a small action, but it can make a big difference for these bettors.

WALKING BACKWARDS

Then there's the unusual superstition of walking backwards. Some sports bettors believe that walking backwards can bring good luck. This superstition is thought to be derived from the concept of reversing bad luck or negative energy. By walking backwards, sports bettors hope to turn negative energy into positive energy and increase their chances of winning.

In some cases, sports bettors may walk backwards to the betting counter or around the betting centre before placing their bets. Others may walk backwards to their seats or stand facing away from the game before making their predictions. And get this, some sports bettors even believe that walking backwards out of a game centre after a win can help them to continue their winning streak.

While kissing a bet slip or wearing a lucky shirt may seem like a harmless and even humorous superstition, it is important to remember that at the end of the day, the outcome of a game is determined by a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. Sports bettors should focus on making informed and rational decisions based on their knowledge and analysis of the game.

We cannot promise that any of these superstitions will bring you luck but we can give you sure odds. Will you be adopting any of these strategies for your next bet?