Buying a lottery ticket might seem simple, but for many players around the world, it’s a ritual filled with meaning, tradition — and even superstition. From lucky charms to “unlucky” colors, lottery superstitions are everywhere. Let’s take a trip around the globe and explore some of the most curious beliefs about attracting lottery luck.
Global Lottery Superstitions Around the World
Spain – Rub Your Ticket on a Bald Head for Luck
In Spain, a well-known lottery superstition is to rub your ticket on the head of a bald person — yes, really. It’s believed that doing so will bring good luck and improve your chances of winning. This playful tradition is especially common during the days leading up to El Gordo, Spain’s famous Christmas lottery, when people are willing to try just about anything to boost their luck.
China – Red Means Fortune
In Chinese culture, the color red is strongly associated with prosperity and luck. Some lottery players wear red underwear or carry red envelopes with their ticket inside. Others choose numbers like 8, considered the luckiest number thanks to its phonetic similarity to the word for wealth.

India – Elephants and Auspicious Days
In India, many people buy tickets on days believed to be astrologically favorable, like Thursdays or during festivals such as Diwali. Some players place their ticket near a statue or image of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of luck and new beginnings.
Italy – Bread and Bad Luck
In Italy, placing a lottery ticket near bread or kitchen food is considered bad luck. Bread symbolizes necessity, while the lottery symbolizes risk — and the two should never mix. Many Italians also avoid the number 17, which is considered unlucky.
USA – Lucky Pennies and Personal Rituals
American players often rely on lucky coins, socks, or rituals, like always buying from the same store or picking numbers from a dream. The phrase “find a penny, pick it up…” still guides many who believe in small signs of fortune.
No matter where you’re from, believing in a little luck is part of the fun. And who knows — maybe your own superstition is the one that works next!
Try your luck today with TuLotero, and bring your favorite lucky charm along for the ride.