Casino Etiquette

Unlike playing at an online casino in the comfort of your home, venturing to land-based casinos like Las Vegas involves more than buying casino chips. Players must have good manners and be on their Ps and Qs. Most casinos require players to follow casino etiquette.

Casino play requires more than understanding the rules. It's also about how you conduct yourself with dealers and croupiers at the blackjack table. Knowing when and where to place your roulette chips, for example, and the importance of following the dress code are essential casino tips that add proper etiquette to your basic strategy.

To have a great casino night at a land-based casino, casino goers should take time to understand the rules for the casino games they wish to play. But we can't stress enough that you should know which casino best supports you to have the best experience possible. Of course, you should have a firm grasp of the house rules before you step foot.

Common Casino Courtesy

Please keep in mind that other casino goers playing blackjack or sitting beside you at the roulette table want to win just as much as you. Unfortunately, one player can win per betting hand or the spin of the roulette wheel. Win or lose, the bedrock of casino etiquette is composure. The more pleasant the atmosphere is on the casino floor, the better the casino experience for all players.

But maintaining your composure and a commitment to not rock the boat can lead to receiving tips and points from the casino staff. Specifically, being pleasant with the dealer or croupier might lead to some strategic advice to put you on the winning path and stop throwing money away. Respecting other players and not crowding them or giving unsolicited advice also goes a long way to keeping the atmosphere light.

Should they struggle, one of the quickest ways to spoil the fun for everyone is to make fun of them or try to talk to them when their body language clearly suggests they want to be left alone. On a personal level, each player should be courteous enough to themselves by gambling responsibly. When your basic strategy is off, consider leaving the blackjack table or the slot machines so you don't lash out at others and disrupt the pleasant gaming flow.

Most casinos have security to help prevent this from happening. The problem is, you might be asked to never come back. If each casino player practices proper casino etiquette, word quickly spreads that your casino is the place to play.

The more players, the bigger the rewards and bonuses become, as well as the jackpots for progressive slot machines. Also, having a good blackjack strategy and other good table game strategies works best with no outside noise and distractions. Proper etiquette is to try not to be on your cell phones to throw everyone's and your game off. So, to keep yourself in the game, please consider the following rules.

• Always control your alcohol consumption, or better yet, don't drink if you can't do so in moderation. Too much drinking can make you lose control and display bad manners.

• Be mindful of where you leave your casino chips, cell phones, clothing, and other belongings. It only takes a moment for your big night to be ruined.

• Always give other players and the casino staff, including the servers, basic respect. Of course, make a point to interact and introduce yourself to the dealers and croupiers.

• Remember the casino rules for buying and turning your chips in at the cash cage.

• Don't use someone else's chips. That's a quick way to be kicked out of the casino.

• Most table games, like craps, move fast, so be ready to start playing and place bets when it's your turn.

• Practice playing casino games to understand how they work. Table games like baccarat and poker have many subtleties you're expected to know.

• Only you, the player, can place chips on the table. It is up to you, not the blackjack dealer or croupier, to manage your chips and wager your desired bets.

• Keep your betting circle small, or better yet, just you so you can maintain good manners.

Casino Dress Code

Many casinos have some form of dress code. While some lavish casinos require a black tie to start gambling, most casinos, like those in Reno, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, support casual but neat dress codes. Casual attire normally only requires a clean shirt and jeans, as opposed to sweatpants. Almost no brick-and-mortar casino accepts players without shoes, and some don't allow flip-flops.

Following the dress code is the bedrock of casino etiquette. Without saying a word, it means the player at least has a basic respect for the casino and is willing to follow the casino rules. Nobody wants to cause a scene and draw unnecessary attention, so please follow the dress code. Most land-based casinos have an online casino version or website where you can quickly review which attire they accept.

What to Bring to the Casino

If possible, don't bring electronic devices on your casino visit, and consider putting cell phones on vibrate so you don't throw other players off their games. Bring some form of identification and your rewards card if you have one. Most casinos only allow those 21 or older to gamble and play games, so bring your ID to prevent misunderstandings. Your rewards card helps you register comp points so you can get excellent benefits and perks to buy chips in the future, among other benefits.

Here are a few other things to bring to a casino:

• Some snacks so you don't have to leave your game and save money from your budget

• Cash or debit cards to buy chips and tokens for blackjack and other games

• Phone charger: most casinos have electric outlets to charge mobile devices

• Comfortable shoes in case you're walking back and forth from the casino floor to the cash cage

Table Game Etiquette

Unlike slot machines, where you play alone, table games have unwritten rules that players should observe, such as not having your belongings, drinks, and food on the table. First, don't sit at the table unless you want to play. Once you sit and place your chips, the dealer deals, and the betting round doesn't stop until someone wins. It is also customary code to leave a few chips to the dealer or the server should you win. Consider these tips as basic casino etiquette while gambling at the blackjack or other gaming tables.

Poker Tables

Besides putting on your best poker face, poker is one game with many nuances and subtleties. Of all the games, poker has the most variants. Besides understanding the basics, some also consider the odds associated with the different bets, like the royal flush and side bets, unique to the different variations. If you're curious about how to play poker, do some research beforehand to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

• Even if you honestly don't like the other poker players, always extend common courtesy to them. The same goes for the dealer.

• Only bet when it's your turn. Betting out of your turn is a quick way to turn the game ugly and stop play.

• The dealer's job is to burn some cards when necessary. Respect this process.

• While community cards are dealt face up, your hole cards are dealt face down for only you to view. Keep your cards within view without giving away the hand to avoid rumors of cheating.

• Make your bets, including a matching bet and raises, at one time. Once you place your chips, the dealer will move on.

Don't wager past the maximum bet, no matter which poker game you play. It shows up the other players who can't afford the bet, and it sours the mood. Also, try not to talk during active gambling hands.

Blackjack Tables

While blackjack isn't a complex game, take a moment to understand the rules before sitting at the blackjack table. Blackjack isn't played at a fast pace; it goes slow. The dealer and other blackjack players are waiting for you to hit or stand to keep the game flowing. Besides knowing the rules and being ready to bet, knowing these essential blackjack table rules will take you a long way.

• Proper blackjack etiquette is to only carry your cards with one hand and keep your cards in plain view.

• Don't bend, twirl, or play around your cards to prevent being accused of edge sorting. Just hold them. If the dealer finds you suspicious, they may burn the entire playing hand to prevent cheating.

• Please don't argue with the dealer and respect their decisions.

• Try not to talk during an active blackjack round. Not only does it throw others off their game, but talking too much slows down the game and might cause others to leave the blackjack table.

• Buy your chips before sitting at the blackjack table. That way, you won't be holding up the game.

• Keep your blackjack chips visible so you won't be accused of theft.

• Blackjack rules require players not to hand their chips to other players or the dealer. Instead, they should place them on the designated betting spot.

• Don't stare at others' cards or the dealer dealing. Card counting is frowned upon when playing blackjack.

Blackjack also has unique gestures and signatures associated with it. Specifically, there are gestures to let the dealer know that you want to hit or to stand. Before starting, please take a moment to understand what they are.

Roulette Tables

Unlike blackjack, roulette offers more bets, such as dozens and columns, so you might want to brush up on these bets and betting rules before playing. Roulette has three main variants: American, European, and French. When you have your chips ready, before sitting at the roulette table, take a moment to understand the casino etiquette for roulette.

• In roulette, even if it's your turn to place a bet, wait for the croupier to give you the green light.

• Make sure to keep some reasonable distance between yourself and other roulette players.

• Don't hover over or touch the roulette wheel, the players, or other chips.

• Some wagers, like the corner bet, require precise placement of chips.

• Be decisive with your bets so as not to hold up the game.

• If you bought chips from the croupier, the croupier needs to cash them in. Otherwise, the cash cage will turn you away.

• Stack your chips in a neat pile to prevent spilling and accidental spillage.

• Don't forget to tip the croupier.

Roulette also has many strategies, including the James Bond. Before sitting down, know the strategy you want to use. Even if you lose, bet confidently and not like someone who doesn't look like they belong at the table.

Craps Tables

Ironically, the modern-day name craps is used to describe the way that players position themselves throwing dice. While craps might have more players compared to games like blackjack, the first rule of thumb is to keep enough space and not bump into other craps players, especially as they roll the dice. When playing craps, please keep these rules and etiquette in mind.

• Craps move extremely fast, so know the different bets and how they work before playing.

• Watch how you roll and handle the dice. Roll with one hand and keep the rolling hand in view and on the table.

• More so than games like blackjack, craps players take their superstitions very seriously. Even if you don't believe in it, respect other craps players rituals as long as they follow the rules. Likewise, don't try to get others to follow your game rituals.

• When you're finished playing, hand the dice to the designated person, not another player.

• Even when losing, it's customary to tip the dealer with a minimum wage as a common courtesy.

Baccarat Tables

Before playing James Bond's favorite card game, it's wise to understand its rules and bets. Overall, baccarat has three principal bets: the player, the banker, and the tie. Also, some variants like Chemin de Fer and Banque Baccarat feature players as the banker and the one with the shoe. If you're ready, please consider this essential baccarat etiquette.

• Like other card games like blackjack, handle your baccarat cards carefully and don't fold them.

• If you're the one with the shoe, deal beginning with the player to your immediate left.

• Try not to talk while playing unless you state that you want to hit or stand.

• Only reveal your cards when the dealer tells you to.

• Baccarat is another game where you can purchase chips directly from the dealer. The protocol is to let the dealer cash in the chips for you.

Bingo Tables

When playing online bingo, frequent players like to sit in a certain spot. If you're new to the community, please respect this process and let them choose their seat if that's where they are used to sitting. But above all, play your numbers silently because bingo is a silent-playing game. And respect the bingo caller even if you're disappointed you don't have the winning numbers.

Keno Counter

Online Keno plays similarly to the lottery, where you pick a series of numbers and hope you win. Please make your numbers silently because some others are making last-minute selections trying to get their cards in before the deadline. Also, try not to burden the keno runner and be prepared to hand your card to them. Time is of the essence to meet the deadline.

Slot Machine Etiquette

When you visit a casino, you'll often see players frantically pulling cranks on multiple slot machines. While they are in the throws of betting, try not to disturb them, and if possible, walk around them. While you can play several slots at once, try to limit it to two, preferably the one beside the one you're playing on.

Slots are the only game in which you put the money in yourself, not the dealer. You can purchase tokens from the cash cage or from the machine with a debit or credit card. Try to have all the money you need because if you need to leave to get more tokens, somebody else might swoop in and take over. To extend your time, consider making only the minimum bet.

Likewise, even if a player is playing a slot you're interested in, don't try to bully them or get them to leave. Casino etiquette for slots and table games is the first to the table or machine, is the one who plays. While many casinos don't specify a hard time limit, consider taking breaks and letting others play if you've been at it for over an hour. Also, some players might step away to get food and drinks or to the bathroom and leave their belongings. Wait a good while to see if they're totally done, or better yet, ask them if they don't sit down immediately upon returning.

While Atlantic City Casinos are grappling with having no smoking on the casino floor, some old-time venues like Las Vegas and Reno allow players to smoke. If you're a smoker, consider asking others around you if it's cool to light one up.

Tipping at Casinos

Casino employees and dealers work incredibly hard to make your casino trip memorable and joyous. They don't get to take breaks like you and often have to work for hours at a time. The ultimate form of casino etiquette is to tip where appropriate, starting with the minimum wage at the game.

After playing, the proper way to tip the dealer or croupier is to give them chips directly but in front of the others so that everyone knows what's happening. Only tip from your chips that are not used for betting. Sometimes you play a game like craps, where you can bet for the dealer as a thank you because the dealer is prohibited from participating in wagers. If so, call out your intention in front of the crowd to keep things on the level. Place the money directly on the tray when getting food or drinks from the server.

Responsible Gambling Resources

​As you consider all the tips and pointers in this article, please remember that the number one etiquette is to be good to yourself. Making smart wagers is the central pillar of responsible gambling.

Before entering the casino or logging in online, determine how much you can safely afford to lose. Win or lose, walkway when you've reached the limit. If playing in person, consider not bringing credit or debit cards because once the cash goes, you have to go. Online gamblers can set up loss limits in the responsible gaming section. They can also impose playing sessions or temporary cool-off periods where they can't access the cashier to make deposits.

Still, if that's not enough and things are spiraling out of control, there are national non-profit organizations that specialize in problem gambling. Legal online casinos also have state resources that players can turn to.

• National Council on Problem Gambling: Give them a call at 1-800-GAMBLER

• Gam-Anon: Visit gam-anon.org or call 1-718-352-1671

• Gam Talk: Chat with a professional today at their website

• Gamblers Anonymous: Visit their website and get help today