Superstitions are common among game-lovers.  They are particularly common in gambling games and sports.  There is a story behind every superstition—whether unique and personal or ordinary and widely practiced.  Take a moment to think of some of your own.
 
If your superstition is a common one, do you know how it originated?  If it is personal, do you remember how your superstition was born?  It is pertinent that you know the stories behind your traditions, whether they seem necessary or just plain profound.  Knowing their roots is the trick to keeping the magic in your madness.  Think of it this way…if you carry a rabbit’s foot in your pocket, but you don’t know why they say it’s lucky— then it’s just a rabbit’s foot.
 
Sometimes the explanations behind the “luck charms” will be complex or may even date back to ancient folklore, and sometimes they will be simple and strait forward.  Do not be discouraged if you discover your tradition holds a simple story, for that does not discredit the lucky powers behind it.  Simple and small does not mean ineffective.  (You can make electricity just by rubbing your feet on the carpet.) 
 
As stated earlier, you must simply know the story.  If it involves a personal experience, try to remember as many details you can about the time of your superstition’s birth.  If you adopted it from popular culture, learn as many facts about it as possible.  Remember to think of this story from time to time.  Think of it while you are entering a casino or logging online.  Reflect on the details of its origin while you’re placing a bet, waiting for the perfect card, etc.  Basically remember it often.  This will keep its luck alive and well.
 
Beyond knowing and reflecting on the story behind your superstitions, you should always be confident in whatever tradition you practice.  Do not say to yourself, “It might work,” or “I hope this brings me luck.”  Be positive in that IT WILL.  And again, knowing why it will work gives you an edge over tapping into that reservoir of luck.
 
Another piece of advice is if you find something that works really well for you, don’t tell anyone!  Keep it your own little secret!  I don’t know why this works this way, and I wish I had an explanation for you.  But the bottom line is, keep your best weapons out of enemy intelligence.

By Victoria Maro

There was a disturbing article in Cleveland, Ohio’s Plain Dealer on October 11th.  Very often there is more to a story than what is reported, and I hope that everyone (or at least most people) can read in between the lines.
 
This story is about prohibiting cash-paying games, such as the video “tic-tac-toe” machines that are so popular in bars and restaurants.  The legislation also addresses games that award non-cash prizes and limits the items to a $10 value.  The lawmakers even attached an emergency clause to the legislation.  This means that the games will be banned the very moment Governor Ted Strickland signs the bill, and cannot be presented again to voters without an initiative petition drive.  This urgency for banning video gambling machines is ridiculous.
 
Believe it or not, the vote of the Ohio House Lawmakers was a shocking 83-13.  So there you have it…the opinion of 83 people, and the time and effort of their law-making priorities.
 
Is anyone wondering why these machines are even an issue—in Ohio or any other state?  It doesn’t even appear to be a realistic concern, and certainly not one to take precedence over vital issues.  So, what is the real motivation of the lawmakers, and by what means are they deeming these games unlawful?
 
House Speaker, Jon Husted, admits that the machines are not a problem.  Then he continues with, “It’s the door it opens up to run these other games on a national basis.”  First of all, this is a preventative measure with no facts that it’s happening.  Secondly, if national operation of these machines is a valid concern, then why does the country participate in international trade, send American jobs over-seas, allow charities for other countries, etc.  Using the “national basis,” in his argument simply sounds like a political excuse to dance around the truth.
 
Husted also said, “This is the first step in eliminating unregulated gambling.”  What does he really mean by this?  If you win money from one of these machines, you are given a slip of paper that looks like a receipt.  You sign your name, and can only cash it in at that particular bar or restaurant.  Those cash tickets are then kept and recorded.  There’s already a system in place to regulate these machines, so is this just another excuse?
 
So what is the truth behind banning these machines?  Could it be that governmental systems are trying to squeeze out competition to cater to big-time casinos and monopolies?  Is their hidden agenda to force gamblers to travel to these locations to have their fun?  It is unfortunate that these politicians feel the need to take away more of our rights, but the good news is…
 
Luckily, we have the option of online gambling.  We don’t have to travel far to play our favorite games.  And whatever the agenda of the Lawmakers might be, we do not have to let it rule our way of life.  Not everyone has the time or the means to travel, but we all deserve the freedom to decide how we spend our hard earned money. So if I want to gamble online, guess what, I will!

By Victoria Maro