Why Green Tables? The Origins Of Casino Table Colours

If you’ve ever played a casino game, whether in person or at an online casino, you’ve likely noticed the familiar green felt tables. From poker and blackjack to roulette and baccarat, green is the traditional backdrop. But have you ever wondered why green? Is it just a design choice, or is there a deeper reason behind it?

Let’s explore how this colour became such an iconic feature of the gaming world.

A Nod to Traditional Card Games

The use of green tables in casinos can be traced back to the early origins of card games in Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, games of chance were often played on green cloth, especially in aristocratic parlours and gentleman’s clubs. This green fabric wasn’t specific to gaming it was also commonly used for writing desks and billiard tables.

By the time formal gambling houses emerged, green had already become associated with leisure, order, and respectability. Early casinos likely adopted the colour as a way to reflect the refined environments in which these games were traditionally played.

The Billiards Connection

Another influence comes from billiards, which predates modern casino games. The green felt on billiard tables was meant to simulate grass, as early versions of the game were played outdoors. When the game moved indoors, the green colour remained and the same aesthetic eventually carried over to card tables.

As casinos evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, green remained a popular and familiar choice, reinforcing the idea that gaming tables should mimic established recreational traditions.

Psychological Factors: The Colour Green

Beyond historical influences, there’s a psychological component to the colour green. It’s often associated with:

• Calm and concentration – ideal for environments where players need to focus
• Balance and neutrality – green doesn’t evoke intense emotions, which can help reduce tension during play
• Good fortune and money – particularly in Western cultures, where green is the colour of currency and growth

These associations may have helped reinforce the use of green in gaming environments, creating a space that feels both stable and mentally engaging.

Practical Considerations

Green felt isn’t just a visual choice, it’s also functional.

• The texture of felt slows down cards and chips, preventing them from sliding uncontrollably
• The dark tone of green provides good contrast with cards and betting chips, making it easier for both players and dealers to see the game clearly
• Green shows less visible wear over time compared to lighter colours, helping tables maintain a clean appearance

Together, these factors make green both a practical and aesthetic choice for casino tables.

Modern Variations and Branding

While green remains the most traditional colour for casino tables, it’s not the only one in use today.

Many casinos now opt for dark blue, burgundy, or black felt often chosen for branding purposes or to differentiate between table types. For example, VIP tables may feature black felt to indicate exclusivity, while themed tables might match the colour scheme of a specific game or event.

Online and live casino platforms also sometimes experiment with colour to create a more distinct or modern visual identity, though green still dominates as the default and most recognisable option.

Conclusion

The green felt casino table is far more than just a stylistic tradition. Its roots lie in centuries-old recreational practices, reinforced by practical design choices and psychological associations. Whether you’re playing in a physical venue or logging into a live dealer game, the green table continues to be a visual cue for familiarity, focus, and fair play.