Having spent over 30 years on the casino floor, one of the key points I’d like to emphasize is the abundance of rules and regulations within casinos that players should be aware of.
Casinos have strict rules regarding money handling, unlike the flexible rules of a game like Monopoly.
Modern casinos are equipped with thousands of cameras and employ numerous surveillance staff to ensure constant monitoring.
Additionally, the individuals in suits at the table may offer you a player’s card or complimentary meal.
Their primary responsibility is to closely monitor games and dealers in their designated section to ensure compliance with the casino’s policies and procedures in place to protect the money.
The Top 10 Dos And Don’ts Of Casino Etiquette
The list below includes some guidelines for behavior on the casino floor, as well as common casino etiquette.
The casino staff is accustomed to welcoming new guests and will politely explain procedures if any issues arise.
1. Don’t Have Your Cell Phone Out
In the past, casinos enforced a policy against taking pictures on the casino floor, prior to the prevalence of cell phones.
Partly, this was about security and the intention to prevent individuals from scouting the area.
Additionally, the affluent and well-known individuals, or in certain instances notorious figures, preferred not to have photographs of themselves at the gambling table spread across the media.
The technological advancements in smartphones pose a significant challenge to casinos in terms of game protection.
The device can be used for counting cards or capturing the dealer’s hole card with its camera.
This method can be used to communicate card information to a partner, who can then analyze and provide guidance on how to play your hand using covert signals during a phone call.
There are apps available that utilize your phone’s video features to predict the potential landing section of a roulette ball.
A group of Russian hackers were caught filming slot machines and streaming the footage to servers in eastern Europe to manipulate the machines’ random number generators and determine the exact moment to press spin for a win.
It is common for casinos to prohibit the use of phones at the table.
If you are filming while playing slots, you may be asked to stop.
Taking photos away from tables is now more accepted, but security may still approach you if you are too obvious about it.
When placing your phone on the table or taking a call, it is standard protocol for the dealer or floor person to request that you step away from the table.
Casinos have policies in place regarding photography, so if security tells you not to take pictures, they are simply enforcing the rules.
Don’t take offense.
Casinos have varying policies on the use of phones on the gaming floor, so it’s best to be aware of each casino’s expectations when using your phone in their establishment.
Simply follow their instructions after listening to them.
2. Don’t Overdo The Drinking
In approximately half of American casinos, complimentary alcoholic drinks are offered. However, it is important to note that “complimentary” does not imply unlimited free drinks.
Cocktail servers circulate the casino at regular intervals, typically passing by slot machines and tables every 20 to 30 minutes.
It is common to experience a wait when ordering a drink, as the floor person or dealer may not be able to serve you any quicker.
Only one drink is permitted at a time.
Guests must finish their current drinks before being served another, and any signs of intoxication will prompt an evaluation by the beverage manager.
Individuals may be asked to leave the casino floor if deemed to have reached their limit.
Excessive drinking can lead to restrictions on gambling access.
It is important to consider the impact of your actions on other guests’ experience.
Excessive drinking and disruptive behavior at the casino may be viewed differently by your significant other compared to other patrons and staff.
Our goal is to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable evening.
If a player’s behavior begins to affect other patrons or disrupt the flow of the game, the casino may ask them to leave.
Side note on comps:
When you sit down, the dealer or floor supervisor will typically ask for your loyalty card, which is used to monitor your play, average bet, and buy-in.
The casino uses player information to offer comps such as food or free rooms, so it’s recommended to get a player’s card at services before you start playing.
At many casinos, players can request a new account to be opened by the floor supervisor using their driver’s license, typically done at the table if the supervisor is available.
If you have been playing for a while and spending a significant amount of money, it is acceptable to request a complimentary meal from the supervisor.
Some casinos may provide complimentary meals to incentivize guests to return and play, so it’s worth inquiring.
3. Do Make Sure You Buy In And Cash Out Properly
The minimum and maximum bet for each table or slot is clearly displayed, usually either on a lighted sign or placard to the right of the dealer in table games.
Prioritize checking the minimum bet before taking a seat, in order not exceed your planned gambling budget.
Once the hand is finished, simply hand your money to the dealer and they will exchange it for casino chips.
The dealer will typically provide you with a mix of chip denominations suitable for the game being played, but may ask for your preference.
Some players convert smaller denomination chips to larger value chips when they are winning.
This process can be disruptive to the flow of the game, as it requires the dealer to exchange chips for higher denominations and then back again, slowing down gameplay for all involved.
This also requires the casino to regularly disrupt the gameplay with refills of lower-value chips.
Players are encouraged to wait until they are finished or until the dealer asks before coloring up, as this allows for a smoother gaming experience.
When ready to depart, please wait for the dealer to finish their hand before returning all chips.
It is important not push the chips into the betting circle or worry about stacking or sorting them, as the dealer will be more efficient in handling them.
Players can exchange their higher-value chips for currency at the cage.
The cashier is typically located in a corner far from the exit in casinos, allowing patrons ample time to consider playing more games with their winnings.
Side note on chips:
Roulette chips are known as non-value, as their worth is dependent on the markings on the roulette wheel rather than a set monetary value.
When buying in for $100 and requesting $5 chips, the dealer will place one of your color chips by the wheel next to a lammer indicating $100. This signifies that each stack of your color is valued at $100.
When purchasing chips with dollars, each color is designated as $20. Each stack is $20 and increases incrementally.
It is recommended to exchange your roulette chips for regular currency before leaving, as they have no value outside of the casino.
Additionally, the casino enforces a policy of one person per color for chips. If you need to purchase chips for someone else, they will need to receive a separate color.
4. Do Get To Grips With Basic Game Rules And Procedures
There are numerous table games and slot machines available at the casino. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the dealer or seek assistance from a slot attendant for clarification.
Different casinos may have variations in rules and procedures for table games, but we will discuss some of the most common ones here.
Casino table games typically require players to remain seated during gameplay.
The concern is ensuring that the cameras have optimal coverage of the cards being dealt to prevent any discrepancies in surveillance.
In most blackjack and some carnival games, the cards are dealt facing upwards.
If the cards are dealt out on the layout instead of placed in front of you, refrain from touching them.
Players are typically required to pick up cards dealt to them using only one hand in blackjack as well as some carnival games in most casinos.
If you have any uncertainties, feel free to ask your dealer.
In handheld blackjack games, players request a hit by lightly scratching the corner of their cards next to their bet, and signal to stay by tucking their cards face down slightly under their bet.
When deciding to split or double down with a blackjack hand, it is important to turn your cards face up so the dealer can see your intentions clearly. Avoid covering or blocking your bet with your cards to ensure the dealer can accurately follow your actions.
In face-up blackjack games, players request a hit by scratching with their finger, indicate to stay with a horizontal wave of their hand, and show a split or double by pointing with two fingers.
The signals in many carnival games are akin to those used in blackjack. To request another card, simply scratch, and when you are finished with your hand, just set it down.
The dealer is available to address any inquiries.
During the game, the dealer may not provide advice on how to play your hand.
For blackjack, it is advisable to bring a basic strategy card with you as many dealers may not be familiar with it.
The same applies to the carnival games.
One can access clear guidelines on hand-setting, which hands to play, and which hands to fold on their phone prior to playing, eliminating the need to depend on misinformed dealers or inaccurate advice from fellow players.
5. Do Set A loss Limit
It is advisable that individuals have a clear understanding of their financial limitations before engaging in table games.
Some individuals set limits on the amount of money they bring with them to prevent chasing losses, while others simply have the self-control to take a break after reaching their designated limit.
Either option is acceptable as long as you are able to adhere to the agreed-upon limit.
Setting a budget for each gambling session can help prevent losing all your funds quickly and allow you to continue enjoying your trip even after initial losses.
It helps regulate emotions and serves as a stop-gap for impulsive spending even in unfavorable circumstances.
Some individuals choose to establish boundaries on their desired winnings, potentially due to past experiences of winning a substantial amount only to ultimately lose it.
Having a clear idea of your goals when gambling will make you a more disciplined player and safeguard your bankroll in the long run, although it is not always typical.
6. Don’t Tell Others How To Play
Avoid instructing other players on how to play their hand, even if you feel tempted to do so.
Players are allowed to play their own cards, although not all dealers may enforce this rule. If advice is requested, feel free to provide it; otherwise, simply focus on playing your cards.
Some carnival games have house rules that prohibit players from giving advice or looking at another player’s hands.
This situation may seem extreme if, for example, your partner is not familiar with the game.
Some poker games may be vulnerable to exploitation if players possess knowledge of the dealt cards, prompting rules to prevent cheating.
It is advisable not to offer money to or solicit money from strangers at the table, as well as refrain from interfering with others’ gameplay.
While it is allowed, the casino may ask individuals they suspect of panhandling or soliciting for money to leave the premises.
Giving someone a $25 chip due to a sob story may not be helpful if they are eventually asked to leave.
7. Don’t Upset Superstitious Craps Players
Many players believe craps to be one of the most enjoyable games in the casino.
When a player is on a winning streak and accumulating chips, it is a unique and exhilarating experience.
When experiencing a losing streak in craps, players often resort to superstitious beliefs.
The alternating cycle of hot and cold dice in the dice has led many players to believe in superstitions and luck.
Learning the game of Craps can be challenging, and certain behaviors may negatively impact the outcome at the table.
One important aspect is purchasing during a market upswing.
It is recommended to wait for a seven out or for the player to make a point before placing your bets on the table to avoid any potential disruptions from other players.
One method that can help calm some veteran casino goers is to purchase chips with cash at a blackjack or other table on the way to the dice game.
How To Get Chips At A Casino?
How To Get Chips At A Casino?
