Casino Etiquette: The Dos and Donts
Casinos have unwritten rules of behavior that regular players know and casual visitors often violate. Following basic casino etiquette makes your experience smoother and avoids the small frictions that mark first-time visitors.
At the table games
Wait for the current hand or spin to finish before sitting down at a table. Place your money on the felt, not into the dealer”s hand: the dealer takes it from the felt and exchanges for chips. Once you have chips, do not hand cash directly to the dealer mid-game. Ask permission before picking up cards in card games like blackjack (in some games you can never touch the cards).
The “no touching” rule
At games where the cards or dice are dealt face-up (most casino blackjack, all baccarat, all roulette), do not touch them. The dealer handles everything. Touching the cards triggers misconduct procedures in many casinos.
Tipping dealers (toking)
Dealers in US casinos earn significant income from tips. Tip a dollar or two on small wins, more on larger wins. The traditional method: place a tip bet “for the dealer” alongside your bet (the dealer wins what your bet wins). This approach is friendly but optional.
Outside the US, tipping practices vary. European dealers traditionally do not accept tips. Asian casinos vary by jurisdiction. Always observe what locals do before tipping aggressively.
Phone use
Most casinos prohibit phone calls and photography on the casino floor. Texting is usually tolerated; longer phone calls require stepping away from tables. Photography is almost universally banned and will trigger immediate intervention by security.
Alcohol
Free drinks are common in many casinos but rude requests are not. Tip the cocktail waitress USD 1-2 per drink (more for the first round to encourage prompt service). Drinking too much affects your decisions and your fellow players” enjoyment.
Slot machine etiquette
Do not save machines while you go to the bathroom. Most casinos prohibit machine “saving” with chairs or coats; another player can request the machine. If you genuinely need to step away briefly, ask a slot attendant how the casino handles temporary absences.
Respect other players” games
Do not coach other players unless they ask. Especially in poker, do not comment on hands you are not in. In roulette, do not reach across other players” bets.
Dealer respect
Dealers do not control the cards, the dice, or the wheel. Yelling at a dealer for losing hands is bad form and accomplishes nothing. Dealers respond positively to polite players and sometimes provide useful guidance to friendly visitors.
Cashing out
At table games, push your chips toward the dealer and announce “cashing out.” The dealer counts and pushes chips back to you, which you take to the cashier. At slot machines, press the cashout button to print a ticket; redeem at any cashier or kiosk.
Universal rule
If unsure, ask the dealer or a pit boss. Most casino staff are happy to explain procedures to first-time visitors. Asking is always better than guessing wrong.