Marseille, France – – Friday the 13th, a date steeped in superstition for many, appears to be driving increased participation in lottery games in France, though not necessarily larger wagers. Reports from tobacconists across Marseille indicate a surge in the number of lottery tickets purchased, particularly for the “super lottery” draw associated with the date, while the average spend per customer remains relatively stable.
The phenomenon suggests a psychological effect at play, where individuals are more inclined to try their luck on a traditionally considered ‘unlucky’ day, rather than increasing the amount they spend. Matthieu, manager of the La Régence tobacco shop, observed that customers are simply entering more times. “Les client ne jouent pas forcément de plus grosses mises, mais achètent plus de grilles,” he stated, meaning customers aren’t necessarily wagering more per bet, but are simply entering more times.
This trend is particularly noticeable with the “super lottery” offered on this traditionally superstitious date, with players adding extra grids to their usual weekly lottery purchases. The result, according to tobacconists, is a mechanical increase in overall turnover. The Française des Jeux (FDJ), France’s national lottery operator, regularly upgrades draws falling on Friday the 13th into promotional events with boosted jackpots and additional prizes, a strategy that appears to be resonating with the public.
The increase in activity isn’t limited to traditional lottery draws. Evan, at La Civette du Palais, noted a marked increase in foot traffic and a booming demand for scratch cards. “Les gens voient cette date comme une chance,” he explained – “People see this date as an opportunity.” Some customers reportedly spend hours scratching cards, prompting intervention from shopkeepers concerned about excessive play. “Parfois de 8h du matin jusqu’à 15h. Là, je leur dis stop. Même si ça nous rapporte, ça n’a plus de sens, c’est ridicule, il vaut mieux aller au casino, ils s’amuseront plus en jouant au Black Jack,” Evan commented, suggesting a point where the pursuit of luck becomes counterproductive.
Interestingly, many players are discovering the existence of special Friday the 13th prize pools directly at the point of sale, prompting impulse purchases. This highlights the importance of in-store promotion and visibility in capitalizing on the superstitious association with the date. The FDJ’s strategy of offering enhanced jackpots and additional fixed prizes through a raffle-style system is clearly contributing to the increased interest.
However, not all tobacconists believe the date holds any special sway. The manager of Le Diplomate tobacco shop dismissed the superstition as “un mythe complet” – a complete myth. He attributes the increased sales primarily to the structure of the game itself: higher potential payouts and guaranteed multiple winners, such as the 50 prizes of €20,000 offered in some draws. Despite this skepticism, the shop still experiences a mix of regular customers and new faces, all hoping that the date might make a difference.
The broader cultural context surrounding Friday the 13th is complex. While the date is widely considered unlucky in many Western cultures, stemming from religious origins linked to the crucifixion of Christ and the Last Supper, the association varies geographically. In Spain, Tuesday the 13th is considered the unlucky day, while Italians fear Friday the 17th. This suggests that the superstition is culturally constructed and adaptable.
The phenomenon also raises questions about the role of marketing in exploiting superstition. The FDJ’s “Super Loto Friday the 13th” draw is a clear example of a marketing strategy built around a pre-existing cultural belief. The combination of superstition, marketing, and high guaranteed jackpots has proven to be a successful formula for the French national lottery operator.
The frequency of Friday the 13ths varies from year to year, occurring between one and three times annually. This unpredictability adds to the promotional appeal of the special draw, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. For , there are three Friday the 13ths, providing multiple opportunities for the FDJ to leverage the superstitious association and drive sales.
The average cost of a standard Loto line is approximately €2.20, though promotional Friday the 13th draws may cost slightly more depending on the inclusion of raffle components. While the average spend per customer remains around three euros, the increased number of grids purchased translates into a significant boost in overall revenue for lottery retailers.
The surge in lottery participation on Friday the 13th underscores the enduring power of superstition and its impact on consumer behavior. Whether driven by genuine belief in luck or simply a playful embrace of the irrational, the date consistently generates increased interest in lottery games, providing a valuable lesson for marketers and a temporary windfall for lottery operators.
