If the road one day takes you to a land-based hotel, resort and gaming premise, knowing what a proper casino etiquette means should be your top priority. Unlike online casinos, which can be accessed on mobile or desktop devices any time, land-based gambling establishments are full of rules or “Dos & don’ts”. These guidelines will try to explain to you how to enter a casino, what to wear, how to get to grips with manners and cashout, but also when to tip your dealer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
People who are new to gambling often fantasize about visiting a local casino or making their way to Macau and Las Vegas one day. Still, they are mostly unaware about the basics on how to act when gambling at a casino resort. Luckily, memorizing a list of casino etiquette rules can be very helpful before setting a foot in a luxury hotel with slots and tables.
Spending time on the casino floor is subject to A LOT of rules. Why? As you may know, land-based gambling establishments have millions of dollars laying ‘all around the place’. That being said, someone is always watching. Caesars and Bellagio have thousands of cameras and surveillance systems. Their job is to closely watch the visitors and the dealers, but also to enforce the policies and procedures that safeguard all that money.
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That’s why knowing around 7 casino etiquette dos and don'ts is what makes all the difference between the terms self-assured and embarrassed. After all, going to a land-based casino is about making your experience better overall, not confusing, or misleading.
Casino etiquette refers to the following:
Of course, there are some policies that must be taken for granted right upon the entrance, and we will mention those too.
Getting in and around a luxury hotel and casino can be confusing for first-time visitors. Their sheer size with open rooms, slot machines and tables is already a lot to take in, let alone all those people who seem to know exactly what they are doing.
Note
There are no signs, announcements, or tour guides to inform newcomers how to behave upon entrance. That’s where we kick in, to give you the best tips on Vegas casino rules but also how to get chips at a casino.
If you want to have a good time gambling, it is vital to understand the importance of casino etiquette. The same way underage persons can’t enter US casinos, there are certain Las Vegas casino rules that you should or should not do in order to avoid any potential conflicts or uncomfortable situations with the staff.
The best way to start is to navigate a casino. Take your time and wander around. Check out the entire gaming floor and see where you fit in the best. Feel free to talk to the dealers and other players, as most venues will have someone to teach you how to play.
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If you’re joining a table game:
It’s considered rude to take calls or send texts at the table
It is a distraction to other players, so if you must take a call, better leave the table. Also, taking photos of the casino or players should not occur without a permission. In fact, your personal electronic devices are frowned upon entering the casino. Most casinos on the Strip even have large thick walls to block cell phone reception.
Getting some chips for your favorite games
These can be purchased from the casino cage or at the table. When buying chips, it is important to be respectful and courteous to the dealers. Always place your money on the table instead of handing it to the dealer directly.
Joining other players at the table is the last step
Once you’ve taken a seat, wait for the current hand to finish. The dealer will then invite you to place your bet.
If you can stick to these simple rules during your stay at a hotel resort in Reno or Atlantic City, your gambling etiquette is already at an enviable level. However, there are other casino rules in Las Vegas and other entertainment capitals of the world that you should master. Knowing them all will make any visit a memorable experience.
Depending on the establishment you’re planning to visit, semi-formal looks are always the standard dress codes. However, at some venues, a gentleman is expected to wear a dark suit, formal tie, and black leather shoes. If you’re required to wear the black-tie outfit, welcome to the big leagues!
Casino rules regarding dress codes for men have two sides – black-tie and semi-formal. If you rather see yourself as part of the first group, a gentleman is expected to wear a dark suit, formal tie, and black leather shoes.
The second group can opt for a seasoned sport coat or a blazer with slacks or khakis and a dress shirt. Loafer-style would be a great addition when it comes to the shoes. Wearing a tie is optional for a business or casual casino outfit look.
A casual casino attire for women involves a cocktail dress, a dress or pantsuit. A nice blouse with slacks or a skirt is also a good choice in relation to woman casino dress code. Flip-flops are not allowed, and if you plan on visiting a restaurant, the casino dress code for ladies with a less formal look is preferred. A pair of high heels or evening shoes will also do the trick!
Casino dress codes are designed to give each visitor at the casino a classy, high-end experience. Remember, there is no actual dress code, but people tend to dress up for the evening shows too, especially if they have tickets for an upscale celebrity performance.
Tip
Simply put, a good rule is to dress elegantly, so you don't feel out of place. Avoid torn or worn-out clothes, sneakers, shorts, and t-shirts.
Acceptable behavior in casinos can be summed up in 3 major “dos and don'ts” and it can teach you how to make each and every stay at a gambling establishment smoother. Manners are key when making a good impression, so make sure to memorize the Las Vegas etiquette and always keep it in the back of your mind when strolling on the Strip.
First of all, do not take a seat at roulette tables or a poker table or any other casino games if you’re not playing. Sitting down at a table means that you’re ready to place bets and get involved. It is disrespectful to other players and the dealer if you are just hang around and look.
Although we live in the 21st century where people constantly text, talk, take photos, or surf the web, if you’re in a casino, put your phone aside. Even better, leave it in your room. Casino card game rules and the general etiquette imply that cell phones are considered a distraction and quite rude. Gambling requires strategy, thinking, and focus, so making people uncomfortable is not acceptable at all.
Mind your drinking! Free drinks to order at a casino are one of the few fringe benefits when you’re playing at the tables, but getting sloppy drunk is the worst! Not only does it make you look bad, but it’s not fun for the other players at your table either. A gambling experience should be a relaxing and drama-free activity, so drink responsibly and know your own limits!
In this chapter, we will go through some great tips on casino table rules.
Whether you’re joining brand new casinos or stepping into a hotel resort and casino on the Boardwalk or Strip, knowing your game’s hacks like blackjack table rules is essential. Of course, the casino staff will always be happy to offer guidance for newbies, but understanding basics or nuances of every game is a HUGE plus.
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Still, if you want to make your move with Baccarat or Craps, learn the rules. Gambling on games you don't understand is like walking in the dark. There are many tutorials on the web, including videos, that explain every single detail of any table game.
Learning some hand signals once you've placed your chips on the table is sublime. You should never move or remove your chips from this point. Trusting the dealer is of the highest priority. A player should never, ever touch somebody else's chips. Only when the round is through, whether it’s blackjack, roulette, or poker, can you grab for your chips. Also, when you are buying into a game, don't hand the dealer your chips. Simply place it on the table and act like a pro.
Values assigned to chips are usually the same across all land-based casinos. They start at $1, $5, $10, $20 or $25, $100, $500, and normally end with $1,000. For higher stakes, there is a serious casino chips value of up to $5,000, while high-roller poker rooms or tournaments go with $25,000 or $100,000 per chip.
A trip to the casino should be an enjoyable occasion. Never spoil the moment or act like you own the floor. Good manners are gold. Interacting with the dealer tells a lot about a player. For example, you should always ask if it's okay to sit down when you approach a table. Refrain from commenting, don’t demand sympathy and keep your emotions in check. if you can treat everyone inside the casino with respect, you will have a great time and your dealer will also appreciate your presence.
Once you enter a casino, keep in mind that croupiers are your hosts who deserve your respect and proper treatment. Behaving with dignity is key to leaving a good impression, because self-control is a virtue all casinos hold dear. Also, thanking the dealer when you leave their gaming table is a MUST.
You should know that dealers are not allowed to influence your gambling decisions in any way. On that note, they can help you with the rules and procedures of the game you're playing, but that’s it. Never ask them for advice on how you should play. It could cost them their job or put them in a real awkward situation with their supervisor.
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If you make a significant win at the table, leaving a small amount of chips for the dealer is highly appreciated. This amount depends on where you’re playing. The activity is prohibited in some countries, but in the United States, 10-15% of your buy-in is expected.
Not breaking the casino etiquette is the only way to have a memorable experience at your favorite resort in Las Vegas or anywhere else around the world. There are a lot of rules once you enter a gambling establishment, ranging from how to wave your hand and get free drinks all the way to what you should wear and speak.
If you follow these tips on proper casino etiquette, your future gambling experience will be fun wherever you may go. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to constantly improve your techniques once you’re on the gaming floor and keep it simple – you will impress the staff in no time and be welcomed as one of its favorite guests.
