88,888 Registered Members and Counting! Are We Lucky or What?

Wednesday, November 3rd was a significant day for LCB when we got one more reason to celebrate. That's when an 88,888th member registered an account with us and rounded up quite an interesting number. It's not that we are superstitious (aren't all gamblers at least a little bit?), but it's been known that meaning and symbolism of the number 8 tickle the fancy of many people all around the world. And if it really has something to do with good fortune, luck and prosperity, then you've got to admit 5 times the charm  We won't say 'no' to positive vibes of the universe and a bit of extra luck coming our way. Maybe we should spin some reels or grab a few lottery tickets while it lasts - sometimes all it takes is a switch of Karma and a positive attitude for good things to happen under the watchful eye of cosmic intelligence.

Before resorting to eye-rolling and head-shaking while reading this, you should know it's not our fault for being so silly about all this talk of omens and belief in supernatural influence that can make us rich or happy in a blink of an eye. It's the Chinese! Ancient Chinese philosophy and astrology takes the number 8 very seriously - it is regarded as the luckiest number of all and widely used whenever and wherever it possibly can. The Chinese are very superstitious when it comes to numbers, perhaps more then ever in this modern day and age (or so we've heard). In their culture, numbers are related to words with similar pronunciation - number 8 is pronounced 'BA' and sounds very much like 'FA', a word used to express wealth, sudden fortune or prosperity. Multiples are even better, the more the merrier! In accordance with this numerical tradition, they always seek to incorporate 8s into their license plates, telephone numbers, the amount of money to give or when choosing dates of important events, paying extra if need be. Another reason they regard number 8 so highly probably has to do with balance - the Chinese are big on balance and opposite forces complementing each other, and when you look at the structure of the number 8 it's suddenly clear why. Split it in the middle and you'll get two perfectly symmetrical shapes.

In fact, the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics was scheduled on August 8, 2008 at 8:08:08 pm - the date could not have been more precise and goes to show just how serious they are when it comes to lucky numbers and matters of destiny, fortune tellers and the sayings of the wise. Whether this has helped them any is a story for some other time, but whatever the outcome it seems that numerology traditions run deep in the heart of the Chinese cultural identity.

However, this peculiar reliance on the matters of fate and higher power is not the characteristic solely of the Chinese. People of all backgrounds and ages hold all sorts of superstitious beliefs, engaging in irrational actions or behaviors without even noticing what's taking place. We as humans have always been fascinated by outside influences and the ways these can be directed to benefit us one way or another. The underlying causes are firmly ingrained into our collective consciousness since the dawn of time. Even though the roots are common and shared between different nations, groups or civilizations, we can still find them expressed in so many ways it's both difficult and interesting to keep track.

One property of the number 8 that spans all continents and epoch is the quality of perfection and infinity. All of us know that the concept of infinity is represented in mathematics by the shape of an 8 laid down sideways. Never-ending, uninterrupted lines of this convenient shape are supposed to represent the totality of the universe, a perfectly balanced cosmic order, free flow of creative energies governed by thir own laws. For Greek philosophers the 8 was a symbol of friendship and love. In ancient Egypt it was used to worship the sun, and in Christianity it represents the resurrection and new life. There are 8 chakras in our bodies, 8 degrees of Buddhist monks, 8 stages to nirvana - the list goes on and on and on.

What about numerology and gambling? We've all seen plenty of slot machines with such themes, especially those from Eastern Asia. These games are almost always featuring a whole lot of lucky 8s and names which are pronounced in Mandarin or Cantonese as variations of Fa or Faat. Maybe it's just a freak coincidence, but did you notice how they really DO seem much more generous when compared to other, 'common' slots. No doubt some are among the most popular slot machines of all time that gave numerous players their fair share of fortune and money. You must have played or at least heard about the Lucky 88, 50 Dragons and similar Asian themed hits still on top of charts worldwide even though years have passed since their debut. Well, there's something there, who knows....can't hurt to try.

As for us, we admit - sometimes superstitions get the best of us. When we saw the number 88,888 popping up, there was an immediate thought that it must be one of THOSE signs. You know, a moment that has a lucky feel to it and signifies good times to come. Hopefully, it is a turning point bringing a lot of positive energies for LCB and announcing that distant accomplishments might just be around the corner. If the Chinese fortune tellers are to be believed,  is in for something amazing - an infinity of expanding, evolving and changing for the better.

Still, looking back at the beginning of our journey reminds us that luck is ours to make. Fortune and prosperity happen when preparation meets opportunity. Having good luck charms to evoke a bit of positivity can't hurt, but we know that hard work and determination to succeed ultimately count the most.

Wishing you best of luck on your gaming adventures!