You may be hearing about it more and more, but what exactly is ‘suitcase gambling’?

Here’s a look at a travel trend you might have heard of but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about: “suitcase gambling”. It’s another one of those expressions, like “extreme day trips”, “dupe destinations”, and “Spring break”, that has made its way over from the English-speaking world. So, what exactly is it?

A Gamble for Better or Worse

We all remember lucky bags, don’t we? For some, it might even bring back fond memories of those large paper cones filled with toys and sweets that kids used to get from bakeries and local shops. You never knew what you were going to get, and that was all part of the fun. Those days may be gone, but the principle lives on, even if it’s not just for children anymore and has been adapted to modern consumer habits.

You’ve likely heard about lost or unclaimed Royal Mail parcels being sold off at auction, either individually or in bulk, with the contents remaining a complete mystery to the buyer. It’s the same idea behind the “mystery trolleys” some supermarkets are now offering, filled with discounted but unknown products. These trends are becoming increasingly popular, not just in the UK but elsewhere too. For the seller, it’s a clever way to shift unsold stock or items they don’t know what to do with. For the buyer, it’s the thrill of the unknown and the hope of snagging a real bargain. It could go either way, really.

But why not, especially if it gives these items a new lease of life?

This very concept is now being seriously considered for all the lost or misplaced luggage that’s never claimed at train stations and airports. We’re talking about thousands upon thousands of bags every year in the UK alone.

Coined by the Americans and Brits who first came up with it, “suitcase gambling” has already taken social media by storm. Influencers are buying up lost luggage and unboxing their finds live for their followers’ enjoyment. In reality, though, auction houses across the pond have been capitalising on this for years.

So, following in the footsteps of specialised companies and fame-seeking influencers, the general public is now getting in on the “suitcase gambling” action, taking part online through dedicated websites. And, of course, everyone is hoping that one day they’ll hit the jackpot.