Luck Week - Atlas Obscura

A proper Thirteen Club table, illustrated in the booklet that accompanied the 257th official meeting.

The 1880s Supper Club That Loved Bad Luck

How to remove the stigma from the number 13? Through a series of macabre dinner parties, of course.

Cara Giaimo April 25, 2017

The life of a poker-playing expat can be sweet—but how sustainable is it?

Online Poker Players Are Exiled in Paradise

When will the party end for online poker's refugees?

Sarah Laskow April 25, 2017

Two historic hotels of very different eras. Left: The Shelburne (torn down in 1984) was a second home to entertainers in pre-casino Atlantic City; Right: Resorts Hotel (opened 1978) was the first legal casino in the US outside of Nevada.

Touring the Abandoned Atlantic City Sites That Inspired the Monopoly Board

The once-glamorous casinos and hotels have become a gilded ghost town.

Luke Spencer April 24, 2017

Postcard Reaches Destination After 53 Years

Some grandchildren were just trying to do something nice for their grandma.

Cara Giaimo April 21, 2017

The corrupt Louisiana State Lottery company, which issued this 1889 ticket (shown front and back), gave lotteries a bad name.

Colonial America Was Built on Lottery Revenue

Roads, colleges, war—all funded by lottery tickets.

Sarah Laskow April 21, 2017

Kevin Giddings, his cat, and some satisfied customers.

The Many Possible Reasons British People Hire Chimney Sweeps for Their Weddings

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and a guy in a top hat covered in soot.

Cara Giaimo April 20, 2017

From left, Dr. Hans Blix, Dr. Fernando Collor de Mello, President of Brazil and Dr. Carlos Menem, President of Argentina, signing an agreement in December 1991.

Argentina's Ex-President Appears to Be Cursed

By his own acknowledgment, Carlos Menem brings bad luck.

Natalie Zarrelli April 19, 2017