Gambling has been an important part of Chinese culture for centuries. Think of games like mahjong, dice and horse racing. So it is of no surprise that the Chinese have collected an extensive list of gambling superstitions. Whether you are sitting at a card table, spinning the roulette wheel or trying your luck on a slot machine, a little feng shui know-how might just make all the difference.
Here are 10 time-honoured tips to help you stack the odd in your favour:
1) DON’T SIT NEAR SOMEONE READING A BOOK
In Chinese, the word for “book” sounds like the word for “to lose.” Whether it is superstition or subtle subconscious energy, books are believed to bring loss chi to the gambling table. So if you spot someone reading nearby, consider switching seats before placing your bet!
2) DON’T GO TO THE TOILET IF YOU ARE ON A WINNING STREAK
If luck is on your side, don’t interrupt it by getting up to wash your hands or go to the toilet. In Chinese culture, actions like this are seen as symbolically washing or flushing away your good fortune; much like how sweeping the floor or washing your hair on the first day of Chinese New Year is considered taboo. So if you are winning, stay put and ride the lucky wave for as long as you can!
3) WEAR RED – YES, EVEN RED UNDERWEAR!
Red is considered the ultimate lucky colour in Chinese culture; symbolising vitality, prosperity, and good fortune. This is where the popular superstition of wearing red underwear while gambling comes from; it is believed to stimulate wealth luck and invite in lucky windfalls! In 2025, red is even more potent as it activates the Fire element in the year’s Paht Chee chart, the element that represents wealth. We are also well into Period 9, which is ruled by Fire. To tap into an abundance of wealth chi whenever you go to the casino or buy the lottery, wear red.
4) ACTIVATE THE SOUTHEAST SECTOR OF YOUR HOME
The Southeast is considered the universal wealth sector in feng shui so it is important to keep this area of your home energised and clutter-free. Enhance the space with Wood and Water elements, such as placing healthy money plants in bowls of clean water. The SE is also the perfect corner of the home to display wealth enhancers. Get the Treasure Chests with Double Dragons to start off your collection! Avoid red-coloured decorations here though, as red (Fire) can weaken the Wood energy that governs this sector.
5) CARRY A LUCKY CHARM WITH YOU
This can be anything from a four-leafed clover to lucky coins or horseshoe accessory. In feng shui, powerful symbols like the Pi Yao, Three-Legged Toad and 3 Chinese Coins tied together with red string are especially favoured for attracting unexpected windfalls and shielding against bad luck. Keep one in your wallet or handbag when you gamble to channel a strong flow of prosperity vibes your way, keeping luck on your side when it counts most.
6) DON’T SIT WITH YOUR BACK TO THE ENTRANCE
Always sit with your back against a wall or solid structure when gambling. Sitting with your back to a door or open space puts you in a vulnerable position energetically, exposing you to negative chi and weakening your aura. A solid backing gives you support, both physically and energetically.
Advertisements
7) GUARD YOUR SHOULDERS
In Chinese gambling culture, touching or tapping someone on the shoulder while they are playing is considered a serious breach of etiquette and a surefire way to bring bad luck. The shoulder is believed to be a vital point where luck resides, and any form of contact, even a friendly tap, can disrupt this energy and ruin your winning streak. To protect your gambling luck, avoid sitting too close to others and be mindful of who is around you.
8) FACE YOUR PERSONAL SHENG CHI DIRECTION
When gambling, try your best to face your Sheng Chi direction. This is the direction that attracts wealth and success based on your personal KUA number. Facing this way aligns you with the energy of victory, and even a subtle shift in angle can strengthen your connection to winning chi.
9) SUPERCHARGE YOUR WALLET’S WEALTH-ATTRACTING POWERS
Your wallet represents your capacity to attract and hold wealth, and its energy can influence your gambling luck. Keep it clean, organised, and free of clutter by removing old receipts and expired cards. Energise it with wealth mantras or a Gold Wealth Talisman Card, and never, ever leave it empty. Even a small amount of cash helps keep the chi of abundance flowing.
10) TIMING MATTERS – CHOOSE A LUCKY DAY TO GAMBLE
The Tung Sing, or Chinese Thousand Year Almanac, identifies auspicious and inauspicious days for every kind of activity, including gambling. Choosing the right day gives you an added edge, more so when the Lo Shu number of the day matches with your KUA number. Before you head to the casino or buy that lottery ticket, check whether it is a lucky day for you.
