Casinos, with all their bright lights, loud sounds, and big crowds, can be a confusing and overwhelming place, especially for a newbie. Aside from that, there is also the issue of how you should properly behave in a casino, or otherwise known as the casino etiquette.
Casinos have a lot of rules. This is understandable since they’re dealing with millions of money laying around on their gaming tables and slot machines.
We will give you some basic dos and don’ts that you must keep in mind when going gambling. Everybody deserves to feel confident and avoid any potentially embarrassing situation when they finally decide to have their first visit to the casino. While most casinos are accommodating especially with novice gamblers, it is still worth familiarizing yourself with basic casino etiquette.
Top Dos and Don’ts at Casinos
- Do Learn the Game Rules
Casino staff are more than happy to offer proper guidance to newbies, but it would make things easier for everyone if you understood the basics of the game before showing up. The best way to learn the rules is playing online or watching video tutorials. This is better than having to rely on mistaken advice from other players or waiting for the busy dealers to attend to you.
- Do Learn the Hand Signals
One of the most popular casino games is blackjack. When it comes to signaling, there are two main actions involved. “Hit” (ask for another card) and “Stand” (to stick with your current total). Sometimes you may need to “Double Down” (double your stake for one extra card only) or choose to “Split” (turn a matching pair into two separate hands). Of course, you can say all this out loud to the dealer, but it’s more proper to learn the basic hand signals.
Since the casino cameras can clearly see your actions, this can come in handy in case of dispute.
Hit- you lightly scratch the corner of the cards next to your bet
Stand- wave your hand over your card with the palm down
Split or double– point with two fingers
Don’t touch the cards unless they’re dealt or placed in front of you. As a rule, you should not cover and block your bet from the view of the dealer.
- Do Tip the Staff
The topic of tipping can be sensitive, but healthy gambling should be about generosity and good vibes. Most dealers, beverage servers and valet earn less than the minimum wage and are counting on the tips they earn to feed their families.
Tipping is not mandatory but it’s good gambling etiquette. The staff takes good care of you and make sure you have a good time at the casino. It is good karma to tip the staff generously, it doesn’t only make you feel good but the dealers are happier for it too.
- Observe Proper Dress Code
Call ahead or check the casino’s website if they require a certain dress code. If you’re not sure, remember this rule, “It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.”
Even casinos with no official dress code will frown upon ripped, dirty clothing—and may not allow shirts with vulgar images or profanity on it.
Dress good to feel good—other people will treat you better for it too.
- Don’t Put Your Personal Belongings on the Table
Purse, wallet, or anything of the like should be kept away from the table. This can obstruct the view of the cameras, can be used to hide things, or just generally get in the way of things.
When you’re having a drink, don’t dangle the drinks over the layout, but keep it on the shelf below the rail. A spilled drink can stop the game and ruin a good time for everybody. You don’t want to be that person who spoiled the fun now, do you?
- Don’t Drink Too Much
Gambling and boozing go hand in hand, but you must know your limits. A drunk player is annoying to be around with on the gambling table, not to mention, being drunk interferes with good decision making. You don’t want to wake up with a hangover, an empty bank account and a sense of shame. It’s okay to drink at the casino but don’t get sloppy. You came to gamble and have a good time. You can get drunk some other time.
A visit to the online casino doesn’t have to be daunting. Just follow our guide and you’ll be confident to make the most of your casino experience. Have fun!