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

The glamorous image of tuxedos and evening gowns from James Bond movies is largely a thing of the past for casino most casinos. The required level of dress often depends on the establishment and even the time.

• Daytime Casual: During the day, the general rule is casual and comfortable. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are generally acceptable. However, it’s best to avoid overly sloppy or revealing clothing, swimwear, or casino offensive slogans.
• Evening Attire: Many casinos enforce a slightly stricter code at night. This typically means you should avoid shorts and sandals. For casino men, this could be slacks or nice jeans with a collared shirt or polo. Women might opt for a blouse and smart trousers or a nice dress.
• Formal Requirements: The strictest rules are for private gaming rooms and gourmet restaurants. This is where you might need to wear a jacket or more formal evening wear.

A Good Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, casino it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Behavior on the Casino Floor

Respectful behavior is key to a pleasant casino visit for yourself and others.

At the Gaming Tables

1. Know the Rules Before You Sit Down: Don’t sit at a table game like blackjack or craps without knowing the basic rules.
2. Handle Your Chips and Cards Properly: Wait for the previous round to end before buying in. Place your cash on the table; don’t hand it directly to the dealer.
3. Use Hand Signals in Blackjack: This avoids any miscommunication with the dealer.
4. Respect the Dealer and Other Players: Always be polite to the staff and your fellow players. Avoid criticizing other people’s play or blaming the dealer when you lose.
5. Show Your Appreciation: Tipping dealers is customary and appreciated, especially after a nice win. You can do this by placing a chip for them on the betting line or simply handing it to them between hands.

General Floor Etiquette

• Device Usage: Most casinos prohibit phone use while you are actively playing at a table.
• Alcohol Consumption: Pace yourself with the free drinks to stay in control of your decisions and behavior. Drunken behavior is disruptive and will likely result in your removal from the premises.