Friday the 13th is often seen as an unlucky day, but it has turned into a lucrative opportunity for casinos and gaming operators. As this date approaches, establishments like the Casino Barrière in Enghien-les-Bains are gearing up for an influx of visitors and special promotions.
Special Promotions and Increased Traffic
On March 13, players at Casino Barrière aim to win big, with a target of €50,000 up for grabs. Frequent visitors, Marie-Laure, 68, and Marie-Pascale, 73, are among many hoping to participate in the special draw offering up to €13,000. This initiative will be available at all 32 casinos operated by the Barrière group, replicating successful promotions seen on previous Fridays the 13th in February and expected again in November.
Bruno Chauvin, the casino director, notes that Fridays the 13th typically attract 20-30% more visitors compared to regular Fridays. In 2025, the casino welcomed 750,000 guests, indicating the potential for significant boost in attendance on this eventful day.
Impact on Gaming and Lottery
The national lottery operator, FDJ United, is also capitalizing on this date by offering a Super Loto with a starting jackpot of €13 million. Ticket prices for this lottery will increase from €2.20 to €3. This change aligns with the expected surge in interest, as FDJ estimates that Fridays the 13th can generate two to three times the usual number of bets compared to standard draws.
- 38% of French citizens are likely to gamble on a Friday the 13th.
- 41% consider themselves superstitious.
- 22% are sensitive to the number 13, increasing to 44% among those who believe in superstitions.
A Historical Perspective
Historically, Friday the 13th has been seen as a day of misfortune. Elisabeth Belmas, a history professor at Sorbonne Paris-Nord, explains the origins of this superstition, which can be traced back to Christian and Nordic traditions. However, since the 1930s, efforts have transformed this perception into one of luck, especially within the gambling industry.
Anthropologist Dominique Desjeux remarks that the marketing success of Friday the 13th as a lucky day is a testament to how deeply people intertwine superstition and gambling behaviors. While some gamblers admit to feeling the pull of superstition, others, like 58-year-old Olivier, are skeptical and prefer to avoid the crowded casino atmosphere. Nevertheless, this day remains a significant event for many gaming enthusiasts.
As the calendar turns to another Friday the 13th, casinos and lottery operators are ready to embrace the heightened excitement and potential profits that accompany this unique date.
