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.

Dressing the Part

The glamorous image of tuxedos and evening gowns from James Bond movies is largely a thing of the past for most casinos. The required level of dress often depends on the establishment and even the time.

• Casual (Most Casinos, Daytime): For most casinos, casino especially during the day on the main gaming floor, the dress code is very casual. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are generally acceptable. Even with a casual code, there are limits; aim for neat and clean.
• Smart Casual / Business Casual (Evening, Upscale Venues): Many casinos enforce a slightly stricter code at night. Leave the ripped jeans and sportswear at home. A good look for men is a button-down shirt with chinos. A smart top and pants or a skirt is a safe bet for women.
• High-End Areas: If you’re heading to a high-roller room or an exclusive restaurant, a formal dress code may apply. This might require a jacket for men, and cocktail attire for women.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Behavior on the Casino Floor

Respectful behavior is key to a pleasant casino visit for yourself and others.

At the Gaming Tables

1. Know the Rules Before You Sit Down: Don’t sit at a table game like blackjack or craps without knowing the basic rules.
2. Chip and Card Handling: 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: Don’t just say “hit” or “stand”; use the universal hand gestures.
4. Be Courteous: Always be polite to the staff and your fellow players. Keep your comments to yourself and casino maintain a positive attitude.
5. Tipping the Dealer: Tipping dealers is customary and appreciated, especially after a nice win. 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: Using your phone at a gaming table is generally frowned upon and sometimes forbidden. Step away from the table if you need to take a call.
• Drinking: Pace yourself with the free drinks to stay in control of your decisions and behavior. Being overly intoxicated is a quick way to make poor decisions and get asked to leave.