Casino Etiquette and Dress Codes: A Player's Guide
Stepping into a land-based casino for the first time can be an exhilarating yet slightly intimidating experience. Being familiar with proper casino etiquette and attire will make your experience much more pleasant.
Understanding Casino Attire
Forget the black-tie image; most casinos today have a much more relaxed dress code. The required level of dress often depends on the establishment and even the time.
- Casual (Most Casinos, Daytime): For a standard casino floor, casual wear is perfectly fine. You can usually get away with everyday clothes. Still, try to look presentable—avoid beachwear or clothes with rude messages.
- Evening Attire: Many casinos enforce a slightly stricter code at night. This means no shorts, flip-flops, or casino torn clothing. A good look for men is a button-down shirt with chinos. Women might opt for a blouse and smart trousers or a nice dress.
- Formal Requirements: The most stringent dress codes are usually reserved for exclusive VIP lounges or the casino's fine dining restaurants. This is where you might need to wear a jacket or more formal evening wear.
Pro Tip: It's safer to be a bit too formal than too casual.
How to Act at the Tables
Respectful behavior is key to a pleasant casino visit for yourself and others.
At the Gaming Tables
- Know the Rules Before You Sit Down: Don't sit at a table game like blackjack or craps without knowing the basic rules.
- Handle Your Chips and casino Cards Properly: To get chips, place your money on the felt when the round is over. Dealers cannot take cash from your hand.
- Use Hand Signals in Blackjack: In blackjack, use clear hand signals to indicate whether you want to hit (tap the table) or stand (wave your hand horizontally).
- Be Courteous: Dealers are professionals doing their job. Be polite and casino patient. Don't blame them for your losses or offer unsolicited advice to other players.
- Tipping the Dealer: If you've had a good run, it's a nice gesture to tip your dealer. You can place a small bet for casino the dealer or just give them a chip directly.
General Floor Etiquette
- Device Usage: Taking photos or videos on the casino floor is almost always prohibited to protect the privacy of other guests.
- Alcohol Consumption: Most casinos offer free alcoholic beverages to players. It's fine to enjoy them, but know your limits. Being overly intoxicated is a quick way to make poor decisions and get asked to leave.
