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

Forget the black-tie image; most casinos today have a much more relaxed dress code. The required level of dress often depends on the establishment and even the time.

• Daytime Casual: For a standard casino floor, casual wear is perfectly fine. You can usually get away with everyday clothes. Even with a casual code, there are limits; aim for neat and clean.
• A Step Up: In the evenings, casino or casino at more upscale casino resorts, the dress code often elevates to “smart casual”. This typically means you should avoid shorts and sandals. For men, this could be slacks or nice jeans with a collared shirt or polo. For women, a dress, skirt, or stylish top with trousers is appropriate.
• High-End Areas: If you’re heading to a high-roller room or an exclusive restaurant, a formal dress code may apply. This is where you might need to wear a jacket or more formal evening wear.

Quick Advice: It’s safer to be a bit too formal than too casual.

How to Act at the Tables

Good etiquette makes the experience better for everyone, from fellow players to the dealers and staff.

At the Gaming Tables

1. Learn the Game First: 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: In blackjack, use clear hand signals to indicate whether you want to hit (tap the table) or stand (wave your hand horizontally).
4. Respect the Dealer and Other Players: Dealers are professionals doing their job. Be polite and patient. Keep your comments to yourself and maintain a positive attitude.
5. Tipping the Dealer: If you’ve had a good run, it’s a nice gesture to tip your dealer. 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

• Phones and Photos: Taking photos or videos on the casino floor is almost always prohibited to protect the privacy of other guests.
• Drinking: Most casinos offer free alcoholic beverages to players. It’s fine to enjoy them, but know your limits. Being overly intoxicated is a quick way to make poor decisions and get asked to leave.