Gambling Etiquette: Casino Do’s and Don’ts

Headed to the casino for the first time and not sure of the etiquette? Not to worry, we are here to help.

While gambling etiquette will vary from region to region, in general, ensure you know the game, always speak clearly, and treat the dealers with respect. However, these aren’t the only gambling etiquette rules you should be aware of. Read on to learn all the casino dos and don’ts before your next visit.

1. Ensure You Know How to Play

There is nothing more frustrating than heading to a casino for a night of fun and letting loose, only to end up at a table with someone slowing down the game because they don’t know how to play. Although many casinos do offer lessons to first-time gamblers, it’s important that you arrange to take them before heading to a popular casino on Friday night. Trust us, the other players will appreciate it!

2. Speak Clearly

Although dealers are well-trained in their craft, they are not mind readers. Whenever you are approaching a table, ensure you speak loudly and audibly when describing what you want to play and how much you want to buy in for. While this might seem silly, you would be surprised how many nights at the casino get derailed early on when this gambling etiquette rule is ignored.

3. Treat Dealers With Respect

Casino dealers are there to do their job. They aren’t the ones controlling your luck, or stacking the deck so you lose. Actually, most dealers want the players to win because they know it means better tips for them.

Regardless of how your night is going, always treat the dealers with respect, even if you are angry at the cards they are flipping over. If you yell at a dealer, you will get yourself kicked out of a casino really fast. If there is truly an issue with a dealer, ask for their manager instead of speaking with the dealer about it directly.

4. Keep Your Cell Phone Put Away

We are sad this one has to be said, but when you sit down at a table to play, you should be present at the table. This means you keep your cellphone out of sight, and if it rings, you step away from the table to take the call and return only when it is finished—as this will result in the best environment for everyone.

It is also worth noting that you shouldn’t be taking a ton of pictures at a casino (as this can get you into trouble with security, especially if they think you are casing the place), and you should ask before taking any photo with someone who isn’t in your party. If they say no, respect their decision—after all, photos aren’t going to help your luck anyway.

5. Go Easy on the Drinks

Alcohol and gambling tend to go hand in hand, and casinos are well aware of this, which is why they offer free drinks to most players. That being said, it is gambling etiquette not to overindulge on these free drinks. Remember, they are for players, and if you are too inebriated to play, you won’t receive any more drinks. Plus, being drunk at a table is not a good look and may get you kicked out of the casino if you disrupt play.

That being said, if at some point during gaming you decide you want to let loose with the alcohol instead—that’s fine, just cash out and move to the bar instead so you don’t disrupt the game.

6. Don’t Try to Haggle Minimum and Maximum Bets

These bets are set by the casino, not the dealer, and are non-negotiable. Don’t waste yours or the other players’ time by trying to change these. If you really want to bet far above the maximum, ask to speak with the casino host, who may be able to take you to a high roller playing area.

7. Don’t Tell Others How to Play

Although there are rules for every game, there are many areas where players can choose how they play—by placing certain side bets, knocking instead of saying “hit, and performing certain good luck rituals. It is not your place to correct them, or tell them how to play. If you see them doing something weird, know that it is either allowed or, if it is not, the dealer will call someone over to stop it soon.

8. Don’t Put Your Stuff on Casino Tables

In general, the only things allowed on casino tables are chips, dice, your drink, and in recent years, your phone (face down) can sometimes be accepted. That being said, you should assume that your things are not allowed on the table. This means keeping your phone in your pocket or lap, and if you have a handbag, hanging it on the designated hook beneath the table or on the back of the chair. This is because the tables can quickly become crowded, and things can be damaged when they are knocked over.

9. Don’t Sit at a Table Unless You Intend to Play

This one should be a given—don’t take up space you don’t intend to use. In general, unless you are playing, don’t sit at the table. If you are with someone who is playing, but not playing yourself, you may stand behind them to watch. Occasionally, if there is space, the dealer may invite you to sit even if you are just watching, but never assume and wait for this invitation to ensure they are in agreement with you taking up a spot as a non-player.

10. Enter the Casino with a Limit

It sounds strange, but you should always enter the casino with a set limit of how much you plan to gamble. This will ensure you know when it’s time to stop, and you’ll be able to avoid violating some of the other rules on this list. It is also a good idea to voice your limit to whoever you are visiting with, so they too know when it is time for you to step out.

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