Top Tips for the Most Proper Casino Etiquette

It’s one of the most wonderful feelings in the world: dressing up and setting foot into that glittering and beautiful world of the casino. Whether you’re on a date night, a friends’ night out, or flying solo, casinos are an exciting choice for an adventurous crowd.

You’re in the noise and lights, you’ve filled your plate at the buffet, you’ve rolled up your sleeves, and you’re ready to roll the dice, too.

You feel it: luck is on your side.

But what happens if you’re unsure? What if you don’t even know how to make it to that point? What if you’re feeling some panic because you don’t know how to act in a casino environment in the first place?

We’re here to help!

Knowing proper casino etiquette can help you relax and feel at ease from the moment you walk in to when you leave with your pockets jingling (metaphorically speaking). To this end, we have a couple of tips that we think can help.

So What is “Proper Etiquette,” Exactly?

Merriam-Webster defines “etiquette” as “the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” Being in a casino definitely qualifies as the “social life” part of this definition and your conduct makes a difference.

If you don’t follow The Rules as they’ve been laid out, you’ll be marked as an outsider and might be judged an easy target for any high rollers looking to exploit newbies.

If you’re a beginner to the scene, it’s undoubtedly better to do a little research and know the proper procedures before you stroll onto the floor. It really could make all the difference in how others perceive you—and thus, how successful you’ll be in games of competition and intimidation, such as any of the top types of poker. Don’t underestimate it!

For example, it’s always in your best interest to pay specific attention to your dress and attire. Take a look at the casino’s website ahead of time to see what the dress code is. Otherwise, you run the risk of being turned away at the door.

Because one dress code doesn’t rule all, it’s important to check every time you’re about to enter a new establishment. This will keep you on the right side of procedure and cool as a cucumber.

Pay Attention to the Details

When you’re at the tables, from the time you sit down to the time you stand up, be mindful, courteous, and attentive towards the other players with you.

It’s the little things that count the most: use cupholders if you’re sipping your coffee or any other drink. Consider choosing a less-greasy option. This will help you avoid staining the cards or leaving an unpleasant film on the chips.

It’s also your breath: bring a pack of gum or mints so that if you’re really in the mood for something garlicky, your interactions with tablemates or the dealer are still pleasant.

These might seem like basic things but they really do help your reputation and the image you’re trying to create. Remember: you want to look and feel like you belong. Being a respectful player is often the line between an enjoyable experience and not being invited back.

Keep your Bankroll and Budgets in Mind

Staying active and having a great time on a casino night sometimes comes down to your bankroll, plain and simple. It’s a huge temptation to bet it all on red, but before you do, stop! Consider the consequences if you lose. Keep in mind that in casinos, the odds are deliberately stacked against you.

In games of pure luck it’s better to not risk it all.

Keep your bankroll in check by enlisting bankroll management strategies and never deviating from them, no matter how much of a winning streak you think you’ve mined.

It also makes the casino more pleasant for those around you. No one wants to hang out and chat with a person who’s obviously stressed and sweating, and you naturally don’t want to have a bad night either. Keeping control of your bankroll is a win for everybody.

It’s never a bad idea to keep yourself grounded. And when you do see the perfect opportunity, you’ll have the budget to maximize your winnings.

Be Patient: There’s no rush!

Passion gets the best of us sometimes, there’s no question about it. But when it comes to casinos, some of the best advice we can give is to wait your turn.

Don’t nudge, jostle, or touch any other players to prompt them to move aside. When there are other gamblers in front of you, wait for your chance in an unobtrusive way. Let them fully finish their turn: don’t be That Person who acts like a vulture ready to spring. There will be plenty of time for you, too.

It’s one of the biggest differences between land based vs online casinos: online, you do have the advantage of instant gratification. There are endless spaces for you to play and the slot machines are always at their peak.

If you’re so impatient that you can’t imagine having to wait your turn, consider that you might not be in the right mindset to enter a casino. It could be a great night to just kick back and relax on the couch, instead. It’s also a matter of style: it’s endlessly impressive to see people who have the self-control to only truly show their emotions and eagerness to play when their turn comes up.

As manners and etiquette are, at the end of the day, ways of making the world around you more pleasant, you’ll become a popular player in no time at all if you have the discipline to do so.