Whether you’re off on a crazy weekend in Las Vegas or simply spending an evening out in town with some friends at the card tables and roulette wheels, casinos come with their own set of rules, regulations, and table etiquette. And these should be strictly followed because they’re often strictly enforced. Perhaps not quite like the movies (the cowboy scene in Scorcese’s Casino springs to mind), but failure to comply with basic rules can get you chastised, removed, or even banned from the premises.
Playing at the table has its own set of customs too — how you use your chips, hold your cards, and interact with the dealer and other players is an important part of the game. Let’s look at some of the dos and don’ts, both online and in person.
Online Live Dealers
Most people who enjoy online casino games now do so using their mobile phones or computers — the online casino industry is soaring, drawing in players who may never have set foot in a brick-and-mortar casino before. Our smartphones and tablets are now powerful enough to enjoy games like poker, blackjack and online live roulette – the latter is one of the more immersive ways to virtually experience a casino, as there’s a video live stream along with a host, who spins the wheel in real-time.
Basic Casino Courtesy
Playing games like poker have, by their nature, moments of tension, joy, and possibly despair. But regardless of your feelings, it’s important to retain a sense of demeanour, calmness, and courtesy towards your fellow players (as well as staff, if you’re in a land-based establishment). And, unless you’re playing online, turn off your mobile phone while you’re at the table.
Know the Rules
There is nothing more frustrating for a table full of players than a loose wheel. It’s important that you learn the rules of the game you’re going to be playing before you sit down and begin. Some casinos, both online and off, have tables and games more suited to beginners, and sometimes online you’ll find free-to-play games or handy app features that help you get to grips with rules, terms, and wagering.
Another good reason to learn the rules of the game is this: you don’t stand a chance of winning if you don’t know what’s going on, and seasoned players will spot a beginner sitting down at the poker table from a mile away, and are likely to outplay them in pretty short order.
Chips and Cards
There are rules governing when you can and can’t touch your cards and chips at a gaming table. When it comes to chips, when you make your decision and place some in the pot, it’s final. Once they’re in the middle, they’re no longer your chips unless you win them back, so leave them there. In some games, such as roulette and blackjack, you don’t touch your chips at all, the croupier will do it for you. With cards, if they’re dealt face down you can touch them (usually just with one hand). Face up cards you leave alone — everyone can see them so there’s not a lot of point trying to keep them close to your chest anyway.
Casino etiquette is an important part of the overall experience. And don’t forget to tip your dealer, especially if you’ve been on a winning streak.
