The avoidance of the number 13 in various cultures, including American culture, is rooted in superstition. The fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia. There are several theories as to why this superstition exists:

Religious Origins: In Christianity, there is the belief that 13 is unlucky because it was the number of people present at the Last Supper before Jesus’ crucifixion, including Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Historical Events: There are historical events that have contributed to the superstition surrounding the number 13. For example, in Norse mythology, there is a story about a banquet in Valhalla at which 12 gods were present, and the mischievous Loki, who was not invited, crashed the party, making the number 13 unlucky.

Cultural Influence: Over time, the fear of the number 13 has become ingrained in various cultures. Buildings often skip the 13th floor, and some streets avoid having a house numbered 13. This cultural avoidance of the number has likely influenced people’s choices in various aspects of life, including lottery number selection.

While some people may avoid choosing the number 13 in lottery games due to superstition, others may not be affected by such beliefs and may choose it without hesitation. Ultimately, whether someone picks the number 13 or not in a lottery is a matter of personal belief and preference.