The atmospheres in casinos are always charged with excitement, drive, and adrenaline. They are filled with players teeming, anticipating what’s in store for them. However, despite the enthusiasm, vital rules and etiquette must always be followed. As tables have evolved over the years, so has the etiquette – a code of conduct, so to speak – attached to them. Understanding and adhering to up-to-date table game etiquette for players elevates your gaming experience and leads to more organized, enjoyable gaming sessions. With the advent of live dealer casinos, players tend to forget proper etiquette, even around other real players and a professional dealer.
Ready to master the do’s and don’ts of table game etiquette? Let’s get started.
Mobile Phone Etiquette in Casinos
Mobile phones are prohibited at gaming tables, and players are expected to keep theirs in their pockets and silenced. Apart from distracting other players, casinos have found that some players use their phones to give themselves unfair advantage in several ways, such as counting cards. Also, filming and taking pictures of slot machines can get you kicked out of the casino and possibly banned.
Drinking Etiquette in Casinos
When it comes to alcohol and casinos, it is expected that you keep your drinks off the playing table. This instruction is constantly repeated in casinos, as knocking over a drink on the table can ruin the game. The dealer would have to restart the hand, and anyone who had luck going for him at that moment may bear more than a slight grudge against you.
Card Game Etiquette
Card game rules are straightforward but are also some of the most important. Players aren’t expected to touch the cards if they’re dealt face-up because everyone has an equal opportunity to see each card. Card marking is also frowned upon heavily in casinos, and, as such, players are expected to be more careful with the cards and not bend or disfigure them. Finally, if the cards are dealt face down, players are only permitted to look at them with one hand, as this prevents cheating and any chance of card swapping.
Dress Code Etiquette
Who says you must show up at your favorite casino dressed like James Bond? That may be over the top as, in recent times, casinos have been more relaxed towards dress etiquette. However, you’re more likely to be accepted into casinos if you dress smartly. Casinos worldwide usually prefer a smart casual dress code, often adhered to during the day. However, guests often show up in formal business outfits in the evenings. A simple guideline is to skip the flip-flops and rumpled clothes. Smart casual during the day, slightly formal at night. It is important to note that the higher the status of the casino, the better dressed you’re expected to be. To avoid awkward encounters, visit the casinos’ websites before you visit to gauge their status and appear accordingly.
Player-to-player etiquette
You want to remain reserved regarding conversations and relations with others at the table. Focus on the game at hand and your energy to win your rounds. Only ask pertinent questions like rules and regulations, and offer congratulations after an opponent scores a win. This is the classy way to go. Keep the details of your hand to yourself and never discuss it with anyone, not even opponents who have folded. Also, ensure you respect your opponent’s values and perspectives, even if they differ. For conversations during the game, stick to safe topics like the weather, pop culture, and sports. This will keep the atmosphere light and friendly and others on the table comfortable.
Advanced Etiquette
The more often you visit the tables, the more comfortable you become, and the higher the temptation to offer solicited and unsolicited advice to other players. Resist the temptation to do so. Instead, focus on yourself and help maintain the overall atmosphere of the table on the day, excited or sad. Whenever you have a complaint about a hand in progress, don’t confront or try to gain the sympathy of other players. Instead, focus on resolving it with the dealer. If the dealer cannot solve the problem, request a floor person and be firm about your decision until a fair settlement is reached.
Here’s a final advanced etiquette that only the pros can tell you: win or lose, always leave the room looking like a winner. Don’t let the reality on the table alter your facial expressions, whether in your favor or going in the other direction.
General Guidelines to Stick to in Mastering Table Game Etiquette
- Don’t put personal items on the table.Â
- Stay in the good graces of staff by tipping them occasionally.Â
- Don’t tell other players how to play their games.Â
- Understand the basic principles of the game before joining the rounds.Â
- Set your loss limit and stand by it.Â
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are black ties suitable for evenings at the casino?Â
Yes, black ties, tailored suits, and elegant dresses are suitable for evening engagements or VIP lounges at casinos.
- Must I always wear formal outfits to casinos?
No, you don’t always have to wear formal outfits to casinos. However, this is often decided by the status of the casino you play at, so the higher the status, the better dressed you ought to appear.
- What happens if I don’t adhere to house rules?
This usually involves eviction and a potential ban—depending on the crime’s severity—from casinos with stringent measures for players who break their rules.
Conclusion
Like every other organization, casinos have rules and regulations that keep them going. Although casino etiquette is primarily unspoken, adhering to it will make the poker experience pleasant for you and others. See you at the tables!
About the Author
Sadonna is a casino content creator who puts her experiences as a former professional poker player and casino bettor into her articles.
For close to two decades, she has followed the gambling industry in the United States and abroad, keeping up with current trends and interesting news.
She is passionate about writing and loves using her creativity to provide insight into the most interesting aspects of the casino world.
In her spare time, she still loves to play Texas Hold’em and video poker.