If you are visiting a casino for the first time, it can be a really confusing place. Most of the casinos are large and have a lot of open space. You seem to be the odd one out because everyone in the in the casino has the exact idea of what they are doing. You, on the other hand, seem to be lost, being clueless about the place. The cameras hanging from the ceiling watches your movement. The pit bosses, the security guards and all the dealers will be looking at you. You are bound to be uncomfortable. No signs and announcements for the newcomers do not help your cause either. You shouldn’t expect a tour guide to inform you about casino etiquette.
Age restrictions
First and foremost, every player in the casino should be at least 21 years old. You can’ play a slot with a child with you. If you do so, the casino surveillance would dispatch a security guard, who will ask you to leave the casino. However, you can move around with the child, as long as you are not playing a slot.
Use of electronic items
Another thing to be careful of is that you should not use any electronic item with you while you are playing the game. In the casino, any electronic item is frowned upon. No electronic item, which even includes your cell phone, can be used while you are seated at a casino game. Anyhow, most walls of the large casinos are thick, which blocks the cell phone reception. So, if you have to use your cell phone, you have no option other than walking out.
Use of camera
If you want to use your camera, you would better ask a security guard first. Most of the casinos prohibit the use of camera in their premises. This is because the players get very annoyed as they are plying for real money and do not want to get disturbed. Having said that, casinos are nowadays more accepted as mainstream pastime, so some of them might just allow photography.
Smoking in casinos
If you are a smoker, you would generally find a casino as a welcome relief. This is because smoking is willingly allowed in the casino premises. If you are a non-smoker, you might find casinos a difficult place to be in. It can be even more difficult if you are annoyed by the smoke of a cigarette or a cigar. They are generally filled with cigarette smoke and the smoke easily permeates clothing. You need to find a no-smoking casino table or slot area.
Other security measures
When it is about casino etiquette, you should not forget about your personal security the busy environment of the casino. Although most of them try to protect the players functional cameras and guards, their vigilance can be overwhelmed by the crowd and other distraction. It is always possible that short-changing or theft can happen. Some security precautions that you should take are:
- Keeping your purse in your lap
- While you are taking a quick bathroom break, do not leave the casino chips on the table under the protection of the dealer.
- Immediately recount any cash or chips that a casino personnel hands over to you. You cannot get any mistake corrected of you leave the cage or table.
- If possible, ask a security guard to escort you to the parking lot late night.
Casino etiquette while playing games
Nearly every casino offers slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. In addition to that, the major casinos, especially in Las Vegas, might have live poker, baccarat, sports betting, keno and many other table games. If you are a first-time visitor, you would obviously be nervous about the arcane rules. So, it is advised that you play slots, roulette and video poker so that you get a relaxing visit.
A very important point of etiquette is that you must know how to play a game before you decide to play for real money in the game. Ultimately, it will be really helpful because your wallet will empty out quickly if you do not know how to play the game. A beginner’s course will always be helpful in bringing you confidence. You should feel free to ask any question at the table. If the dealer does not give you answers, or is rude, you can walk away from the table. Consider going to a new table or to a new casino. If you are a newcomer, it is recommended that you avoid large and crowded gambling house, especially at peak hour. This is because the personnel might be very busy and would be unable to assist you.
Before sitting down at a table, look out for a little placard that announces betting maximum and minimum. They offer a wide range of betting minimums. However, low minimum tables are mostly filled up. Mostly, minimum in the downtown casinos tend to be a bit on the higher side.
While you play a game, it is important that you keep calm. Difficult situations might arrive at the casinos. It is important to keep your calm at the table. Always concentrate on the ‘winning idea’ and keep everything else aside while playing the game. Making ill jokes or curse is very inappropriate at the table. You should never criticize the techniques of other players. Also, try to be as humble as possible when you win.
Tipping
Tipping is probably the most important element of casino etiquette. The dealers are paid very less wage at the casinos. So, they expect to get tips while you are winning. Tipping is not at all necessary or mandatory. It is all up to your discretion. Some dealers might want a tip of 10% of the net win. It would be very generous if you agree to give that amount. It is like a small gratuity for the services that they render. Tips generally relaxes the dealers, and therefore, also the game. Just remember that the casino is not exactly your friend. it is there to take your money, but at least let it take our money in style.