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Question of the Day - 05 May 2024

Q:

Is there such a thing as the patron saint of gamblers? And if there is, can he/she influence, for example, slot jackpots?  

A:

Believe it or not, yes, there are a few patron saints of gamblers.

One is Saint Cayetano or Cajetan, whose Feast Day is August 7. Cayetano was born to well-to-do parents in Vicenza, Italy, in 1480 and was trained for a life of piety by his mother. He studied law and worked as a diplomat for Pope Julius II, with whom he helped reconcile the Venetian Republic. He was ordained as a priest in 1516. We couldn't find much pertinent information about his life and why he was selected as the Patron Saint of Gamblers (not to mention the unemployed, job seekers, and good fortune), atthough one source explained that it was because people bet him a rosary or blessed candle that he would not do some special favor for them. When he did, he collected, for the Church, of course. 

Likewise, St. Cayetano gave his family fortune to help those in need and he promoted the spiritual life in conjunction with care for the poor and sick. According to Wikipedia, "He died of grief in Naples" in 1547, worn out by the corruption he saw around him, particularly within the priesthood. He was beatified in 1629 and canonized in 1671.

Another saint, San Simon, is Guatemala's own Patron Saint of Gamblers and Drunks. Part Catholic saint and part Mayan god, his worshippers apparently pray to him for fertility and prosperity and his shrine, located in the village of San Andres Itzapa, allegedly receives copious offerings of alcohol and tobacco (cash is also welcome) from his devotees to appease him. 

Lastly, Saint Bernardino of Siena is known as the Patron Saint of Gambling Addicts and Compulsive Gambling, among many other things. A charismatic orator born in Massa di Carrara, Italy, in 380, Saint Bernardino was known for his mediating abilities and skill at reconciling opponents, and for his numerous female supporters. (Hm ...)

As for any of these saints being able to influence outcomes on progressive slots, we've never heard of any jackpot winners crediting them for profitable results. Besides, why would you rogate a single saint when you can invoke any number of angels? To wit: Angel of Godsends, Angel of Windfalls, Angel of Jackpots, Angel of Lump Sums, Angel of Sudden Wealth, Angel of Lucky Breaks, Angel of Instant Riches, Angel of Slot Fortunes, Angel of Manna from Heaven, Angel of Treasure Ships Steaming into Port.

There are, of course, many others, but we don't want to give them all away, thus attracting competition for attention from our seraphic supplications. 

 

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Comments

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  • AyeCarambaPoker May-05-2024
    God of gambling
    There's also a god of gambling - I call him Gamblor and too many are drawn in by his neon claws

  • Donzack May-05-2024
    Number one
    Saint Jude, patron saint of hopeless cases. I’ve read that Elon Musk donated fifty million to Saint Jude hospital for children. That’s a winner.

  • Donzack May-05-2024
    And
    The Roman Greek goddess Fortuna. I the tv series Mr. Lucky, the floating casino is named Fortuna. I carry a Roman/Greek coin with the goddess Fortuna on it. Hasn’t really done a lot of good. Who’s the patron saint of mathematics?

  • Bob May-05-2024
    Seraphic Supplication
    There's 2 new words in my Vocabulary! and possibly a whole new mindset. All these years, I figured my Guardian Angel was doing her best to keep me out of Bars and Casinos (and under 100 MPH). I may need to ask her to hang back once in a while and let the Archangel of Abundance and Prosperity ride point!  

  • Cal May-05-2024
    Patron Saint
    St. Shamrock of Clover. She is often depicted with a rabbit's foot
    and horseshoe. Also called "lady luck"

  • Randall Ward May-05-2024
    patron
    not sure but Lady Luck had that Mad Money mascot that would wander through the casino, if you rubbed his nose it was guaranteed winner

  • Kevin Lewis May-05-2024
    The dark side
    I'm uncertain about the existence of any benevolent supernatural gambling entities, but I can unequivocally testify to the existence of a malevolent one. I first learned of his existence when I drew one card to AKQJ (at VP) and drew the 9 of hearts. I heard a burst of demonic laughter and a grinning face materialized in front of me. He introduced himself as "Nine-f***" and has been my constant companion ever since.

  • Kenneth Mytinger May-05-2024
    There are definitely believers
    Not extravagant here, but will occasionally go up in bet amount.  This happened a while back, in the high limit room at the Gold Coast, playing VP.
    
    The guy playing the machine next to me (forgot what) would occasionally walk away, leaving credits.  But he'd return in a minute or two.  Finally took a look around, to see him nearby, pacing; sometimes just standing still.
    
    Then I noticed.  When the guy returned to his machine, he would sit down slowly, take a breath, and make the Sign of the Cross before resuming(!)