In Enghien-les-Bains, in Val-d’Oise – teh only casino in the Île de France region, which is just 14 kilometers from the capital in Paris – gambling gathers around 40 gaming tables and more than 500 slot machines. On this cold winter Friday, 3,000 people are expected.
Despite many people hoping to get rich these days, gamblers have no greater chance of winning on Friday the 13th than any other day. “If a customer wins a big prize today, we will be happy. But of course, we are talking about games of chance and we have no interference in this”, recalls Jean-Charles Pitt, director of Enghien-les-Bains. Casino.
The establishment should have 20% to 30% more players at the roulette and Black Jack tables this Friday. Among them, there will be people who trust in luck and those who don’t necessarily believe in it. “It never brings me luck, I didn’t believe in 13. Now I have other favorite numbers, like 7 and 17”, jokes Safia, French data.
The phenomenon of the large influx of bettors on Friday the 13th has been repeated in Luxeuil-les-Bains, in the Haute-Saône department, in the Franche-comté region of Burgundy, in the center-east of the country. There are five casinos in the region, four from the JOA group, including the one in Luxeuil-les-Bains.
“Yes, it is indeed a very good day, as the number of our customers has increased by 20% to 25%”, calculates Thomas Mouret, the director of the establishment, in an interview with France Bleu Besançon radio. “The mystery of this date is attracting our bettors”, he believes.
Interview with Jean-Charles Pitt: Insights into the Phenomenon of Gambling on Friday the 13th
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Jean-Charles Pitt, director of the Enghien-les-Bains Casino. Thank you for joining us today. With an expected 3,000 visitors on this Friday the 13th, can you explain why this particular date attracts so many gamblers?
Jean-Charles Pitt (JCP): Thank you for having me. The phenomenon of increased attendance on Friday the 13th has been fascinating for us. it’s a day shrouded in superstition, and many people believe it has the potential for luck. We notice a significant uptick in attendance on this day, as patrons flock to try their luck on our 40 gaming tables and over 500 slot machines.
TNE: Does this influx translate to better winning chances for your guests?
JCP: Interestingly, despite the anticipation, customers have no greater chance of winning today than on any other day. Gambling is fundamentally a game of chance, and luck is unpredictable. We want our guests to enjoy the experience, but winning remains up to fate.
TNE: You mentioned patrons have particular beliefs about numbers, like the case of safia, who prefers numbers like 7 and 17 over 13. How do these beliefs influence players’ choices?
JCP: It’s quite common for gamblers to develop superstitions or favorite numbers. Despite the statistical odds being the same, the psychological aspect plays a huge role in gambling behavior. Many players feel a connection to certain numbers based on personal experiences,which can enhance their enjoyment of the game.
TNE: Could you elaborate on the trends you observe on days like today? What kind of increase in player turnout do you typically experience?
JCP: Absolutely. We typically see between a 20% to 30% increase in players at the roulette and blackjack tables on Friday the 13th. This desire to test one’s luck is compelling, and we have noticed similar trends in casinos across France, including Luxeuil-les-Bains, where they enjoy a 20% to 25% increase.
TNE: What implications do these trends have for the casino industry overall?
JCP: The heightened interest in specific dates showcases the powerful role of superstition in gambling culture. It presents an prospect for the industry to craft unique experiences around these themes, perhaps boosting revenue. However, it also emphasizes our obligation to promote responsible gaming, as an influx of hopeful bettors can lead to unhealthy gambling behaviors.
TNE: As someone with extensive experience in the field, what practical advice would you give to our readers who might be tempted to gamble on superstitious days?
JCP: I would advise anyone considering a visit to a casino, nonetheless of the date, to set a budget before playing and stick to it, treating gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. It’s essential to maintain viewpoint and enjoy the experience responsibly.
TNE: Thank you, Jean-Charles, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Friday the 13th is more than just a superstition for many—it is indeed a cultural phenomenon that attracts those eager to gamble.
JCP: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this intriguing aspect of our industry!
TNE: Readers,whether you believe in the luck of Friday the 13th or not,remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.
