Sports Betting Superstitions: What Bettors Swear By (But Won’t Admit)

Even the most pragmatic bettors get a little superstitious from time to time.

Even though we know it won’t logically affect the outcome of a sporting event, we still wear our lucky jerseys, pretend our bets are doomed to lose, or pray to a higher power that we’ll win.

Let’s take a look at the most common sports betting superstitions and discuss a few tips that can actually make or break a winning wager.

Top 7 Sports Betting Superstitions

Here are the top seven sports betting superstitions (in no particular order). How many of the rituals bettors swear by do you find yourself practicing before the big game?

1. Using Lucky Charms & Numbers

Many sports bettors use lucky charms and lucky numbers to “increase” their likelihood of winning.

They might carry a lucky medallion, such as a rabbit’s foot or a lucky coin. They might also bet on “lucky number” days, such as a birthday or anniversary, or bet a lucky number of dollars.

Some sports bettors even go so far as to bet on players based on their numbers.

2. Wearing Lucky Clothing

We all have that lucky jersey or t-shirt we were wearing when our team made an impressive pass or scored the winning goal.

But some bettors take things a little further, including wearing lucky socks or even refusing to wash their lucky clothing.

3. Avoiding Winner Speak

Some bettors believe it is unlucky to claim they will win a bet before the event has taken place. They think this type of behavior might jinx them, so they play it cool.

4. Manifesting Positive Outcomes

On the other hand, some bettors believe the opposite, or that they need to only speak positively about their bets to manifest positive outcomes.

These bettors might even use visualization techniques to view positive outcomes before they happen.

5. Practicing Rituals

Some bettors believe that if they complete rituals before placing their bets, they can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

These rituals could include toe tapping, performing certain tasks before a game, or using a combination of the superstitions on this list.

6. Prayer to Higher Powers

Is praying considered superstitious? Most of us have prayed for positive outcomes in good times and bad times.

The most common superstitious betting behavior is praying to a higher power that a bet will win.

7. Practicing Compulsive Behaviors

Let’s be honest: most of the betting superstitions on this list are compulsive behaviors. Believing that you have the power to control an outcome based on actions that have no power over said outcome is considered compulsive.

Yet, wearing your lucky suit to a job interview might give you the confidence you need to land the new position. Couldn’t employing some of these superstitions relax your mind enough to allow you to make better decisions when wagering? Maybe.

Sports Betting Strategies That Actually Work

All of the above betting superstitions are just that: superstitions. Wearing your lucky socks won’t make the Rangers play better on the ice, though doing so might make you feel better as you’re watching the game.

If you want to be a better bettor, here are some sports betting strategies that supersede superstition.

Researching Teams & Players

Research is the no. 1 tool in your sports betting box to help you make better decisions at the window.

Do a little digging to find the favorites and possibly profitable underdogs. Research which players perform better on tennis surfaces, which drivers perform better on certain tracks, and which players are suffering from injuries.

Creating a Betting Budget

Determine how much money you can afford to lose on a bet and stick to your budget. Don’t bet more than you can afford, and avoid chasing losses.

Finding Profitable Lines

Research the odds at different sportsbooks to find the best prices. Check out the lines when they’re published and when the event starts; after the event, see how you did and try to learn from any mistakes.

Betting With Your Brain

Of course, we want our favorite teams and players to win, but betting with the heart can lead to heartbreak.

If you’re too emotional over the outcome of a bet, there’s a greater chance you’ll lose. Do your research and try to find the best bets at the best prices.