While the casino table is generally a place for gaming fun, beautiful models, expensive drinks and betting, it also demands casino etiquette. These are the acceptable behaviors expected while playing these games. They not only govern players’ conduct on casino floors but also in online versions of these games, albeit to significantly different degrees, as you’ll see in this guide.

Proper casino etiquette is not explicitly spelled out at these gaming destinations, so we’ve done that for you here.

Why knowing casino etiquette and the casino rules is a must

You may be wondering, if it is just a game, then why all these rules and standards? First of all, the casino has become more than a game space – it is a cultured adventure, one in which players can easily lose their composure as the level of excitement and profit grows or dwindles. 

Casino etiquette will help you stay in line with established protocols in the highlighted scenarios. Ultimately, it’s necessary to follow these rules because they are geared towards providing the most rewarding gaming experience.

More so, these rules are designed to keep the facilities running smoothly with standard practice and without room for cheating or unfair dealings. Note that non-compliance with etiquette might leave you embarrassed in brick-and-mortar facilities and even get you banned from them. 

Brick-and-mortar casino etiquette

Casino Etiquette Dos

• Dress to impress: When dressing to go to an offline casino, you should remember that it is always better to overdress than to underdress. One thing is sure, beach wear is totally unacceptable. Some casinos may permit business casual, while others only accept elegant outfits. Every casino has its own dress code, so it is advisable to make inquiries to avoid getting booted out upon arrival.

• Tip the dealer: This is not a rule but a common courtesy due to how much work these professionals put into running every casino round. The dealer is responsible for distributing the cards and payouts while ensuring the game proceeds in line with the house rules. Note that the amount of tip is totally at the player’s discretion. 

• Know your casino signals: Land-based casinos differ from online games, where every step is just a well-labeled button away. In a physical casino, different games have unique hand signals. According to blackjack casino etiquette with a face-up card, tapping the table means to hit. 

• Acclimatize yourself with the casino rules beforehand: While dealers can answer some of your questions, their duty is not to teach you how these games work. Therefore, you need to understand the basics of these games before getting on the casino floors. Besides, you stand a better chance of winning if you come prepared.

• Be polite: Politeness is basic etiquette and just all-around respectable behavior. This doesn’t only apply to your fellow players but also to employees of the casino. Being polite means avoiding vulgar language, having patience while playing, maintaining personal space and keeping a respectful tone when speaking to anyone in the casino.

Casino etiquette Don’ts

• Don’t get drunk: The main reason why these gaming facilities serve drinks is to create an exciting atmosphere and help players relax. However, the purpose is not for players to get drunk, as this can impair your game. Also, if you know you are an alcoholic, it may be best to stay away from them altogether. Most of these facilities also serve non-alcoholic drinks, which might be more proper.

• Don’t bring out your phone: Putting away your cell phone in a land-based casino is an unwritten rule that should always be adhered to. It can be quite uncomfortable for other players, and it may bring up cheating accusations or privacy violations. It can also be seen as a sign of disrespect to other players, as it shows you’re not fully interested in the game.

• Don’t smoke: Smoking in the casino is often prohibited so as not to inconvenience other non-smoking customers. There is usually a designated smoking area outside the casino, so it is advisable to take note of the location and keep to it to avoid getting asked to leave.

• Don’t ask the dealer for advice: Dealers are casino staff who manage each table, assist players and ensure the smooth running of the game. As much as they can assist you with the game by telling you the rules, they are not there to advise you on how to play the game. Always remember that dealers are casino employees and do not have the liberty to give advice that might give the casino a loss.

Online casino etiquette

Dos

• Avoid long pauses: Several casino games, especially the live dealer ones, are played in real time. Pausing them can be annoying, especially to other participating players. Even with software-based titles, long pauses will often lead to session expiration, and players will have to reload the game.

• Know the rules before playing: When gambling in an online casino, knowing the rules will serve as an excellent advantage to you. Most casinos offer the same kinds of games, but their rules might differ slightly. It is only proper casino etiquette to research the rules of a game before playing to know the one that favors and suits you perfectly.

• Trust the odds: Understanding and trusting the odds of each game will always be beneficial online casino etiquette for players. All online casinos are built on statistics and probabilities; therefore, you need more than just luck to win. Having a better understanding of the odds might give you an edge over the game.

Don’ts

• Don’t keep opponents waiting for too long: While playing in an online casino, it is normal for players to think of their next move for a moment. However, keeping other players waiting for too long would be unfair to the game. If a real-life urgent matter pops up while playing, you can use the ‘sit out next hand’ button to show that you’ll be unavailable for a while.

• Don’t stake more than you can afford to lose: To a large extent, online casinos are facilities that bring players lots of excitement and fun. But all of these can easily go out the window when players lose more than they budgeted. Therefore, players should only go in with amounts they can afford to lose. 

Play your favorite games online

Although there is a lot of casino etiquette to pay attention to, once you get the hang of it, you have nothing else to worry about. All you need to do is play, relax and have fun. From the casino etiquette stated above, it’s clear that online casinos are more liberal. After you grasp what you can and can’t do, the next step is to find a great online casino to try out. Resorts Casino is one of the dominants in the casino field and a great place to start. It is beginner friendly, and you can practice for free with demo games and then play for real cash.