Gambling on New Year’s Eve is a longstanding tradition in Greece, with many people participating in games of chance to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. According to Greek folklore, the way a person spends New Year’s Eve is thought to set the tone for the rest of the year, and gambling is seen as a way to attract good fortune.
One of the most popular gambling games played on New Year’s Eve in Greece is “koutali,” a game similar to bingo. In this game, players purchase a sheet of paper with a grid of numbers and mark off the numbers as they are called out by the person leading the game. The first person to get a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of numbers is declared the winner.
Another popular game played on New Year’s Eve in Greece is “tzouker,” a game similar to roulette. In this game, players place bets on a spinning wheel with numbered slots. The wheel is spun, and the ball comes to rest in one of the numbered slots, determining the winner.
In addition to these traditional gambling games, many people in Greece also participate in lottery games on New Year’s Eve. The Greek state-run lottery, OPAP, offers a special New Year’s Eve drawing with a top prize of €1 million. Many people purchase tickets for this drawing in the hopes of starting the new year off with a big win.
Gambling on New Year’s Eve is not just limited to games of chance. Many people in Greece also participate in “koutalia,” a game in which players wager on the outcome of competitions or events. These events can range from card games and board games to sports matches and trivia contests.
While gambling on New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition in Greece, it is important to remember to gamble responsibly. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday and lose track of time and money. It is important to set limits and stick to them, and to remember that gambling should be a fun and enjoyable activity, not a way to solve financial problems.
Overall, gambling on New Year’s Eve is a longstanding tradition in Greece, with many people participating in games of chance and wagering on the outcome of competitions and events. While it is important to gamble responsibly, participating in these activities is a way for many people in Greece to bring luck and prosperity in the new year.