3 reasons why Irishness is chosen as a theme for games and prizes

Whether you’re looking in the online or offline space, Irish iconography has long been a target of fascination with games and prizes.

Sometimes this takes the form of entire establishments; other times, the Irish theme is applied to individual games, events, or seasons.

As one of the longest-lasting and most-loves themes to affect the games and prizes we love, we want to explore how we got here and what makes this combination such a timeless classic.

The origins of Irish luck – it might surprise you

When we think of the idea of Irish luck in contemporary terms, our minds automatically jump to Leprechauns and clovers.

While this idea dominates the modern zeitgeist, it’s not actually where the idea of the “luck of the Irish” originated.

Instead, the term is thought not even to come from Irish shores but rather have been born in America sometime in the 19th century.

This was the time of the American gold rush, and during this era, a great number of miners were Irish immigrants or the children of Irish immigrants.

Many of the famous miners thus counted themselves of Irish origin, leading to the belief that Irishmen were exceptionally lucky. This, in time, became watered down to simply “the luck of the Irish”.

Over time, as Irish culture spread throughout the world, the true origins of the phrase were lost, replaced by other famous ideas like leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day.

As happens so often, different parts of history and folklore were combined and confused, where Irish luck eventually became tied to leprechauns, four-leafed clovers, and the colour green.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why Irishness is chosen as a theme for games and prizes.

3. Luck makes a natural fit – the basic elements

The basic elements of luck combining well with games don’t need much explanation. This is especially the case for games that revolve around chance and not just skill. 

The concept of Irish luck is one of the most universally understood expressions of the concept, so the fit is natural. More importantly. The Irish luck idea’s broad basis is that it can easily be applied to many different parts of the experience.

From the luck of the draw to the thrill of taking home a metaphorical pot of gold, the adaptability of the combination is unparalleled. 

One of the standout examples of the Irish theme interpretations in the gamine environment can be seen in online casino slot titles.

Since this relies on software, they’re easily modified into a range of different graphical concepts, and again, this is where Irish luck is one of the most easily recognisable.

Of course, like with mining for gold, being Irish or trying for Irish luck won’t actually give you an edge; that’s something best left for tips by gaming experts in paying attention to elements like volatility or bankroll management.

2. We love green – a lucky colour

Some games and game services even go further and base their entire websites around the Irish theme. This allows a strong starting position because the colour green comes with certain implications beyond just Ireland’s national look.

Green is nature. It’s relaxing, it’s calming, and it represents the part of the visual spectrum that humans have evolved to see the best.

By leaning on this colour, a game, service, or prize has a pathway to appeal to us on an unconscious level, which is aided by the more conscious aspects of our Irish appreciation.

1. Folklore and intrigue – at the heart of Irishness

Humans love a good story. Folklore and mythology have been a part of our existence since we first developed language, serving as a way for us to understand the world and pass down knowledge.

Any of these tales being less than factual in nature doesn’t really affect how much we enjoy them, as it still captures our imagination and lets us ponder the what if.

Adding this element into games and prizes lets us feel like we partake in this history, giving us more to think about than just winning alone.

No matter where you come from, if you have any knowledge about the world, you’ll understand the concept of Irish luck.

Though the origins are misunderstood, the impact that this idea has on modern culture is worldwide and undeniable. Really, it’s good business sense to lean into it, so we don’t expect adaptions of Irish luck to go anywhere anytime soon.