What Not to Do in a Casino: The Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Etiquette is a peculiar concept; the Merriam-Webster definition of etiquette is ‘the procedure required by (so-called) good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.’
Good breeding! What! Are we stuck in the 18th century? Prancing around the country with Somerset Maugham or Emily Brontë – I hope not. What does good breeding mean anyway? Are we cattle or thoroughbred horses? In simple terms, today, casino etiquette is about adopting considerate manners and being thoughtful. Interestingly, even today, etiquette changes with politics and modern thinking.
Let’s take a simple thing like opening a door. You can trace the chivalrous tradition of men opening doors for women back to mediaeval times when women received special treatment because of their gender. The ‘ladies first’ concept or etiquette has roots in the Victorian era and has been in and out of fashion for hundreds of years, but none more so than in the 1960s and 1970s.
Luckily, any top-notch casino has a doorman (or door woman), so you don’t have to fight chivalry, and you can concentrate on the dos and don’ts of enjoying your downtime in the casino no matter where you are in the world.
From Las Vegas to Monte Carlo, these simple-to-follow rules mean you won’t feel out of place and will get the most out of your experience at a land-based casino. Totally ignore the dress code if you’re playing online – for you, my friend, there are no rules!
No Mobiles at the Table
Think about this one like the Sunday lunch or Friday night dinner rule – no phones at the table. It’s obvious, but for those who can’t leave their mobile alone, you can’t take out your phone if you’re playing roulette, poker, or any game – come to that. Why would you want to anyway?
The point of visiting a casino is to have a break from your regular schedule. So, if you can’t stop scrolling, leave your phone in the cloakroom or, better still, leave it at home.
No Beverages on the Green Baize
Whether you’re shaken and not stirred, drinking over the baize is a no-no. Please don’t wait for the croupier to tell you off (although they always do it nicely). If you’re thirsty and downtime can bring on thirsty work, do your drinking before you approach the table.
Plus, it’s a good idea to moderate your habits, as drinking too much can alter your thinking. Cognitive impairments caused by alcohol use can significantly affect your decision-making. More to the point, wine face or beer goggles aren’t a good look, so stick to ginger beer and soak in the atmosphere instead.
Don’t Touch the Chips or Cards Without Permission
This one seems obvious… until you see it happen. In many games, especially blackjack and poker, touching chips or cards after bets have been placed is a major breach of etiquette. In some casinos, it’s not just considered rude, it’s flagged as a potential attempt to manipulate or tamper with the game.
Once your wager is placed, you keep those hands still. Let the dealer move chips. Trust me, they’ve been doing it long enough to move them like precision-engineered cranes.
If you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to touch something, here’s a timeless rule: don’t. The casino staff will let you know if and when you should.
Don’t Offer Unsolicited Advice to Other Players
This is a big one. Even if you’ve memorised basic blackjack strategy, read card-counting theory before breakfast or watched 200 hours of YouTube “casino guru” content — don’t lean over and tell a stranger how they should have played their hand.
It’s not friendly, it’s intrusive.
Some people play recreationally, some instinctively, some superstitiously, and some barely know what they’re doing — and that’s all fine. The casino is not a classroom.
If someone asks for advice, feel free to share. If not, let them play their game and you play yours.
Don’t Blame the Dealer
This is one of the oldest errors in the book. When a player loses a hand (especially a big hand) tempers sometimes bubble up, and the poor dealer becomes the emotional punching bag.
But the dealer doesn’t choose the cards, the dice, or the wheel. They are the messenger of fate, not the architect of it.
Be kind. Be human. They’re working a long shift and dealing with many personalities. A smile or polite word goes a long way.
Do Casinos Really Track “Difficult” Players?
Casinos absolutely note player behaviour. You don’t need to be a big spender ― just courteous. Players who cause conflict, complain constantly or harass dealers are remembered. Players who tip, stay polite and follow etiquette are often treated with more warmth and flexibility. Being easy to serve makes you welcome.
No Bikinis at the Table
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vegas or a casino resort somewhere hot and sunny, it’s tempting to remain in your beachwear in the casino – to be fair, sometimes there’s no option but to travel from the pool to your room via the casino floor (Treasure Island Vegas, I’m talking about you). However, good casino etiquette says to get dressed and not flop over the all-you-can-eat buffet in your two-piece.
Tempting, I know, but NO! Put some clothes on Carole. While a Vesper Lynd purple gown will always be our favoured look, you can visit a casino in a smart casual outfit. Smart casual is not sportswear, so no trainers, joggers, or anything that shows the brand of your underpants.
Obviously, there are grades of smart casual, and the dress code in Vegas is completely different to Monte Carlo or Paris. So, with grading in mind, I will refer you back to Sunday lunch or Friday night dinner; think about what your granny would say, especially if your granny is the editor of Vogue.
Ladies, remember the first rule of fashion – legs or cleavage, but not both, although….nah, forget that rule and to solve the lady’s first rule – only visit establishments that have door people. Etiquette problems solved!
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Conclusion
Casino etiquette simply comes down to being respectful, aware and considerate of others. Whether you’re rolling dice in Vegas, sipping champagne in Monte Carlo or playing poker online from your sofa in slippers, good manners make the experience smoother for everyone. Treat staff and fellow players kindly, follow the rhythm of the room and remember that the main goal is enjoyment.
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