Gambling is a lot more than just placing bets and waiting for the outcome. For some people, it is a lifestyle part of a bigger culture. In some parts of the world, the most common types of gambling are sports betting and lotteries.
However, other parts of the world prefer poker tables and slot machines. Gamblers’ decisions are highly affected by their location. Cultures play a major role in shaping betting habits and preferences as well.
Here are some of the most interesting gambling traditions from different parts of the world.
1. China: Secrecy and Superstition
Did you know that Macao, China earned more gambling revenue than Las Vegas in 2007? It is one of the best places for gambling enthusiasts in the world. In 2006, its gambling revenue hit $7 billion. The casinos in Macao attract players from in and out of the country. They contribute to the growth of restaurants, bars, and hotels in China.
The Chinese have been gambling for a long time. Traditionally, they would gamble a lot during times of economic health. It was not only a form of recreation but also a chance to earn extra income. The Chinese are known to gamble on just about anything. However, they are particularly interested in jackpot games.
Chinese gambling enthusiasts are a superstitious lot. The average gambler believes that their superstitions influence their fortune when placing bets. One of the main reasons for this obsession with superstition is that it makes decisions easier.
It relinquishes responsibility from the gambler. If things go wrong, they have someone else to blame. Another reason is that these superstitions come from a deeply historical place. They are passed down through generations.
The number 4, for example, is associated with bad luck, while eight is associated with good fortune. As a general rule, Chinese gamblers don’t use the main entrance when getting into the casino. Being touched on the left shoulder when playing is also associated with bad luck.
2. Finland-Tight Regulation
Finland’s government holds the monopoly of gambling activities and controls it tightly. This applies to both land-based and online casinos. All poker, casino, and slot operators in Finland have to get approval from the relevant authority. The regulatory bodies of the state are as follows:
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PAF
This is a regulatory body that oversees all of the country’s gambling activities in the province of the Aland Islands.
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RAY
This is the biggest and most important regulatory body in Finland. It is the leading authority for all brick-and-mortar casinos in the country as it controls all types of casino games.
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Fintoto OY and Veikkaus OY
Fintoto OY is the regulatory body that oversees horse race betting. Veikkaus Oy, on the other hand, is responsible for instant win games, lottery, and sports betting.
With all of this regulation, safety is an important part of Finland’s gambling scene. Like Winny Casino, most casinos are keen on safety and privacy.
3. Spain: The Christmas Lotto
Almost every country in the world has an official lottery that gives players the chance to record huge winnings. However, few of them can compare with Spain’s love for lotto.
Also known as ‘The Fat One’ or ‘El Gordo,’ the Spanish lotto is played shortly before Christmas every year. The total prize fund is €2.2 billion. However, the money is divided among many winners, and the most anyone can get is €4 million. There is a total of 14,000 winners.
This lottery has been around for 203 years, and it is the biggest one in the world. It is televised, and the locals believe it to be an accurate depiction of Spain and its unmatched generosity. The main goal of the lottery is to ensure that as many families as possible get a Christmas bonus.
4. The Irish and Their Horses
The Irish enjoy taking to the tracks for a ride on their horses. It is no surprise that horse racing is one of the most popular kinds of gambling. The country has 26 racecourses. It is more per head all other nations. The number of trained horses and stables is incredible as well.
Many Irish horses win big in competitions. ‘The Irish luck’ may be true after all. The Irish are not just horse lovers. They enjoy the lottery as well. Even though lottery tickets cost more than other parts of the world, they continue to buy them.
5. Australia
Australia has the highest number of casino gamblers in the world. About 39 percent of the population (6.8 million Canadians) gambles every day. The most popular options are table games and slots. While this country doesn’t have any distinct gambling traditions, it stands out for its huge number of betting fans.
Australian gamblers get to keep all their winnings. The nation doesn’t require them to pay taxes. Contrary to what most may expect, problem gambling isn’t a big issue in the country. Less than one percent of gamblers have a problem. Popular casinos in the country attract players from within and out of the country.
6. Japan: Pachinko Parlors
In Japan, Pachinko parlors reign supreme. They have been around since the 1920s and initially appealed to kids. Today, however, most Japanese gamblers spend their time in these parlors. They are pinball-type games that involve many balls. Players attempt to score as many balls as they can. They can then exchange these balls for prizes.
Surprisingly, these parlors generate double the revenue from the country’s auto industry. The revenue is, therefore, invaluable to the economy of the country. Even though it has reduced over the years, it is still impressive.
The Pachinko culture is distinct because the Japanese don’t gamble for money. Instead, they try to win certificates and tokens, which can later be exchanged for money. This has made them an amazing part of Japanese culture. People come from all over the world to see them.
In addition, the Japanese don’t consider Pachinko to be a form of gambling. Instead, they classify it as a type of recreation. After all, the players don’t win money directly.
The Japanese also enjoy other types of gambling including soccer pools, bike racing, and horse racing. Since the population is generally interested in sports, sports betting is a big part of the gambling culture.