Halloween and Gaming Superstitions: Slots, Tables, Bingo & More at Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Do you believe in luck, or do you think it’s all just chance? And is it really a coincidence that Halloween seems to evoke more superstitions than any other time of year? Beyond costumes and candy, Halloween is a season where beliefs in luck, omens, and rituals take center stage. From black cats and broken mirrors to lucky charms at the bingo hall, people often carry these traditions into their favorite casino games. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common Halloween superstitions, uncover how they influence gaming, and share fun ways to celebrate Halloween at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.

Getting Spooky with Halloween and Superstitions at Potawatomi Casino Hotel

It’s October, which means it’s fall, filled with tasty and heartwarming fall food as well as the arrival of a spooky season. Any recent visit to your favorite retailers will reveal fun and exciting Halloween costumes for all ages and taste, a variety of sweet candy galore and more spooky activities than you can probably plan for all month long. Among the season’s celebrations are superstitions, the appearance of jack-o-lanterns, black cats and ghosts. Halloween is approaching and we think it is time to learn more about its rich history and some popular superstitions, so lock your doors, close your windows, grab your pumpkin spice latte and cuddle up into your favorite blanket because it’s about to get spooky in here as we explore more about Halloween and superstitions.

Halloween, also known as Saint’s evening (from the Scots word “even”, contracted to e’en) or All Hallows’ Eve is only the first of three days associated with the celebration of the dead, saints, martyrs and the departed. It is no surprise why we associate this season with all things scary as the days begin getting shorter and colder, getting ready for the wintertime.

Halloween is only the beginning. You might’ve heard of a little celebration known as “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead), in many Spanish-speaking Latin American countries like Mexico, Bolivia, Guatemala and Peru. During this day (or days), visits are made to cemeteries to honor and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. Food and drink is left for them on their graves or altars to take into the afterlife, especially as the fall harvest is collected and we prepare for the dire winter months.

In the USA, many of the celebrations associated with Halloween include dressing up as favorite characters or mythical creatures and participating in trick-or-treating. It’s an opportunity for people to explore their creativity, collect candy from neighbors and family members, attend parties, and decorate their homes to resemble haunted houses.

It wouldn’t be Halloween if we didn’t talk about superstitions. A superstition is a belief and reverence for supernatural beings, as well as a generally believed but unjustified practices held by a group of people. Think about all the little things you avoid doing to attract bad luck, like breaking a mirror, crossing paths with a black cat, or walking under a ladder, especially on a Friday the 13th (The number 13 is widely believed to cause bad luck in many Western countries).

Some common superstitions include things like:

Charms and tokens

Some people carry special objects that may have sentimental value, believing they attract good luck. Keys, lockets, figurines, or even clothing (such as lucky shirts, socks, or shoes) are some of the things people claim bring them luck.

At our bingo hall, we’ve seen charms and tokens run the gamut of trolls, postcards, photos, bracelets and so much more. People even hold on to their lucky daubers even years after they’ve run out of ink! Lucky or not, we definitely love seeing people’s personalities come to life during every bingo session they attend. You can learn so much by the special objects people carry with them.

Rituals

Now, we all have small actions we do that we believe help us get ready (or luckier) to take on a challenge. You might want to win big at the tables, slots or bingo. You might see the name of a horse at OTB that is calling to you.

Sitting at specific tables or chairs, not talking during a game, or dabbing with certain colors are just some of the superstitious rituals some people do to make sure they hit it big during a bingo game. One popular superstition for our slots players is avoiding slots machines that are crowded by other players because they feel the luck is being drained out and you won’t get a huge payout come jackpot time! When betting on horses in our off-track betting room, some players won’t bet on specific horses, numbers or names out of fear of bad luck.

Superstitions, if not taken too seriously, are harmless. In fact, they can make people more careful. Try your luck on some of our spooky slots machines including Lock It Link Cats, Hats, And More Bats with blacks, pumpkins, bats and haunted houses. Don’t be scared, they’re a lot more kooky than they are spooky!

Superstitions in Gaming

Slots Superstitions

Slot players are some of the most superstitious in the casino. Many believe crowded machines have their luck “drained” before a big jackpot can hit. Others prefer specific themes or machines that “feel lucky” based on previous wins. This Halloween, try one of our Halloween-themed slots like Lock It Link Cats, Hats, and More Bats, packed with pumpkins, bats, and haunted houses.

Table Games Superstitions

At the blackjack or roulette table, players often avoid sitting in certain seats or leaving the table after a hot streak, fearing they’ll break the run of luck. Others carry lucky chips, cards, or even clothing items to boost their confidence.

Poker Superstitions

Poker players are especially known for their luck charms. From special card protectors to “hot seats,” they never give up. Rituals like tapping the table or wearing lucky hoodies are part of their culture. For many, these small habits help maintain focus and comfort during high-stakes play.

Sports Betting Superstitions

In our off-track betting room, some players avoid betting on certain numbers, jockeys, or horses’ names because they fear bad luck. Others choose based on hunches, favorite colors, or symbolic links. Even if the odds suggest otherwise, superstition adds thrill to the action.

Bingo Superstitions

In traditional Bingo, the number 13 is often considered an "unlucky" number. At Potawatomi Casino Hotel, we are redefining that perception. B-13 isn’t unlucky, it’s your lucky ticket to an exciting celebration filled with massive prizes and unforgettable moments. Read more about B-13 Bingo Bash here.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel: Where Halloween Magic Happens

This Halloween, enjoy the thrill of the season at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. With festive dining specials and themed games, the property comes alive with a mix of spooky fun and exciting promotions.

Halloween traditions aren’t just about spooky décor and festive fun; they’re also about keeping the excitement alive with one of our most anticipated promotions of the season: the Bird Bash Game Show. Returning once again this October, Bird Bash has become a guest favorite, giving players the chance to scare up a cool $50,000 cash prize. Every Thursday night through October 30, 2025, Potawatomi Rewards members can earn entries, enjoy 3X entry days, and get called to the Promotions Stage for their shot at Reward Play or a seat in the big game show. With cash and Reward Play prizes at stake, including the grand prize of $50,000, it’s a spooky tradition that keeps guests coming back year after year.

Halloween at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee and Carter is more than just a holiday; it’s a chance to combine festive fun with the thrill of gaming. Whether you bring your lucky charm, follow a ritual, or just enjoy the Halloween atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to celebrate.

Share your casino visits with us on FacebookInstagram, or X!