American gambling has quite a long history associated with it, starting with small saloons and eventually transforming into modern casinos at the start of the 20th century. Of course, certain traditions and customs have established throughout the existence of casinos. These unspoken rules make it easy to identify who’s a newbie and who’s a gambling veteran.
However, don’t get discouraged if you’ve never been to a casino. Just don’t imagine how you stroll into the building wearing your tuxedo, sit down behind some table, and order a ‘tini. Casinos don’t work or look like a James Bond movie (anymore, at least).
Nonetheless, casino customs are simple to learn and can be mastered with ease. If you follow the points below to a tee, then you shouldn’t be afraid of embarrassing yourself or looking strange.
General Guidelines
Here are some universal points that can be applied to any casino visit:
Politeness. Always remember why you came to the casino: to win and have fun. Being rude to the staff won’t give you an advantage, and insulting other members can get you thrown out of the building. Some people think that being offensive is the way to go in casinos, but, please, don’t follow suit.
Dress code. No tux is needed, as the casinos are pretty casual nowadays. However, there are a couple of No-Nos in regards to how you should dress going to such a place. According to GamblersDailyDigest, the biggest mistakes are wearing flip-flops, sneakers, dirty/torn clothing, and shorts or t-shirts after sunset (as casinos become more formal at night).
Get your cash. Unlike anywhere else in the world, most casinos make a point of being cash-based. Don’t even try to use your bank cards at the table, because you’ll look foolish. Prepare the cash before coming to the casino if you want to avoid some awkward situations.
Know the rules. It is an obvious point, but you should at least be acquainted with the basics of the game you’re going to play. By entering the game and not knowing the rules, you’ll disturb the game flow, taking out the fun from other people playing. However, if you’re feeling only slightly unsure in your capabilities but know the basics, then you can ask staff for small booklets with the explained game’s rules.
No phones. Don’t use your phone behind the table. Not only would it distract you from the game, but you'd be also immensely rude to everybody who’s playing and to the dealer, especially if you’re taking a phone call. If you need to use your phone, step away from the table.
Don’t delay the decision. Have some respect for the time of other people and don’t think for too long. It’s extremely infuriating when you’re the one waiting on the other player to finally make his decision.
No sitting around. Seats are only for the gambling folks, and if you’re not playing, then you’re not sitting. Do you want to watch your friend’s play? Stand behind him or her and enjoy the game.
Tip. Although it’s not a must, this gesture is much appreciated. The amount of the tip is up to you, but the standard of the US Tournaments if 3%. Of course, you can tip how much you want.
Game-Related Rules
There are some more specific rules that are related to each casino game. Check them out to feel comfortable sitting behind one of the tables.
Roulette
When you join a table, you have to ask for roulette chips. They’re not value-based; instead, they differentiate players. Also, don’t throw your chips around and keep them in a pile when placing stakes. Roulette chips are not for use in any other game, so you have to cash them in before exiting the game.
Blackjack
Show some common courtesy and ask whether you can join the table. Learn the hand gestures and signs in order to understand what’s going on in the game. According to GamblingNewsMagazine, you should hold your cards only with one hand. Generally, don’t become too touchy with your cards, as many casinos have strict policies regarding it.
Craps
Decide on a buy-in ahead of time and don’t make other people waiting on you. Also, don’t make your bet when the dice have been already thrown. It can even be considered fraudulent by some casinos. Bet only when the dice are in the middle. Don’t wave your hands around, as if you touch the dice during the throw, they’ll have to rethrown.
Poker
When calling or raising, don’t disturb (splash) the pot, as it will confuse everybody. Put a neat pile in front of you, and the dealer will take care of it. Don’t acknowledge your hand emotionally and never elaborate verbally on it: again, some casinos prohibit it. Don’t waste everybody’s time by not tabling your hand, as this is considered not sportsmanlike.
Helpful Tips on How to Behave in a Casino
There are some additional things you need to keep in mind. The points below relate not to the games but the behavior in a casino.
Don’t Get Intoxicated
Most major casinos offer free drinks for gambling clients. Nonetheless, don’t overuse this offer. Only fictional characters can easily gamble through the night and keep drinking one cocktail after another. There is a sure possibility that you’ll gamble more recklessly after drinking a bit too much. If you’re interested in drinking than gambling, then simply go to the bar initially. It is, of course, always recommended to stay sober to handle all of the wins and losses.
Remember that You’re On Your Own
If you’re a gambling newbie, one of the most novice things to do is to ask others for advice. Don’t ask other casino clients, as they are there for themselves, and only a couple out of a hundred will take pity on a beginner and offer real advice. And definitely don’t ask the dealers, as they don’t want and shouldn’t have to take responsibility for your luck.
Know How To Lose
Let’s remember why casinos exist. Just like any other business, they’re there to make money, and they do it by having their clients gamble the money away. So, if you find yourself in a less than favorable situation, don’t create an unpleasant situation for everybody around. If you’re aggravated, then don’t express it verbally or physically. Also, don’t scream at your opponents, and don’t throw your cards in the air. Otherwise, you may become an unwelcome guest at the casino.
According to Lucian Marinescu, managing partner at Online Casino Gems, aggressive behavior in casinos should never be tolerated. He says: “Gambling is a noble sport, and the players should act appropriately. Losing is a part of life for a gambler. So, one needs to learn how to lose with dignity. This way, you’ll be gladly accepted into the gambling community and create some very interesting friendships.”
Final Words
Going to a casino for the first time may be a bit frightening, but if you’re well-aware of all of the intricacies of casino etiquette, then you have nothing to worry about. There is really not that much to remember, and on the second visit, you’ll surely feel like you belong here.
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