How to Read a Casino Game's Rules Before Playing

Not all casino games are the same. Even slot machines, which may all look the same, often operate under slightly different rules (usually for pay lines and bonus games), and you may want to be aware of these differences before you play—but where can you find the game rules?

Generally, casino game rules must be available to every customer who asks. In brick-and-mortar casinos, you may find the rules printed directly on the game, or you may need to ask a casino employee where you can find them. In an online casino, game instructions can sometimes be found directly in the game (by clicking on an information button) or by visiting the FAQ. Read on to learn more about how to read a casino game’s rules before playing.

How to Find the Game Rules When Visiting a Casino

1. Check Around the Machine

As mentioned above, many slot machines and video poker machines have the rules of play as well as the paylines printed directly on them. They might be above your head or further up on a slanted machine. If you are having trouble locating them, don’t hesitate to call over an attendant for help.

2. Ask at the Players Desk

For table games, the rules may not always be printed nearby. The best course of action is to ask at the Player’s Desk before you sit down at a table to play. Of course, you can ask at the table as well, and they may bring you a copy, but in most cases you will likely have to go somewhere else to read them anyway, so it's best to skip a step.

3. Check the Casino Website

If the casino is really busy, it might be best to see if the rules can be found on the casino’s official website. This way you can peruse the method of play for a new table game as you sit comfortably at the bar or sportsbook. You’ll also save yourself time waiting in line.

4. Ask the Dealer

When all else fails, as long as the dealer isn’t too busy, they will likely be happy to explain the game rules to you. This is not guaranteed, however, since most table games are only fun to play when there are other players there as well. Therefore, it is best to stick to one of the first three methods and only go to the table when you are ready to play.

How to Find the Game Rules When Playing Online

1. Check For an In-Game Information Screen

Online gambling offers far more options for casinos to display their rules for a particular game directly in the game. Many online casinos will have small i’s in a circle, which indicates an information menu within the same screen as the game itself. Others will have the information if you scroll up or down. Some may also have the word “rules” that you can click on to reveal the rules of the game.

Don’t forget to also check the payout panel, as these may differ between online slot machines just as they do in brick-and-mortar casinos.

2. Check Out the FAQ

Some casino websites will keep all their rules in one easy-to-access place, typically titled “FAQ” or “Game Rules” in a drop-down or menu screen. If you are still struggling to find this area, you can often scroll to the bottom of the website to find a condensed and easier-to-navigate version of the menu.

3. Ask Customer Service

If you’ve looked all around the game screen, as well as in the FAQ, and are still struggling to find the game rules, it never hurts to ask customer service—that is what they are there for. Typically, they can direct you to the exact page you need to visit to find the rules, reducing your searching to a single click. Unfortunately, depending on the website, this could take a bit of time, as not all casinos have customer service running 24/7, but if you want to do this in advance of when you want to play, it is definitely a good option.

4. Check the Blog

Many online casinos also maintain a blog with in-depth explanations of the rules of their games. This isn’t always the most efficient way to find game rules, as you may have to go through several pages of blogs if a search function isn’t available, but this is still an excellent way to find the information you need.

How to Find Basic Game Rules

If you are looking for the rules for a popular game like blackjack or poker, while it is still good to check the casino’s specific rules to ensure theirs are the same as the general version, you can often find the general rules online with a quick Google search.

For best results, you will want to stick to sites like wikiHow or Britannica, as these offer the most general and widespread rules used by most casinos. That being said, YouTube can also be a great visual aid for someone who prefers to learn by watching someone else play rather than just reading the rules.

Overall, there are so many ways to find the rules for casino games, no matter where you play. Of course, it is always best to still check the specific rules of the casino where you plan to play, but you can find the basic rules almost anywhere your heart desires. Above all else, remember that if you have questions, you can always ask; most casino employees, whether online or in person, are happy to help!