Top 10 Things to Know When You First Visit a Casino

It’s great you are finally visiting a casino for the first time! Now you can witness the exciting sights and sounds of a casino which you may have only seen in Hollywood movies.

Whichever casino you choose to play at, one thing is certain; you are sure to have an unforgettable gambling experience. However, there are some things you need to know as a newbie before immersing yourself in the gaming atmosphere.

These tips will not only tell you what to expect and how to behave at the casino, but they will also help you save money and maximise your time and bets.

10. Be Respectful

It is important you treat everyone you meet in the casino with respect. From the housekeeping staff to the security and the dealers, everyone is there to ensure you have an enjoyable gambling experience. 

So, avoid being rude or aggressive even if you aren’t getting the top-notch service you expected.

Additionally, showing courtesy to casino staff can improve your relationship with them, as they are more likely to offer help or support when needed. 

You should also treat other players how you’d like to be treated. Every player in the casino wants to have a nice time, and by being respectful and kind, you can create a positive atmosphere for all persons involved.

9. Don’t Drink Too Much

Drinks are sometimes free at casinos. However, don’t get carried away with them. Don’t forget you are using your hard-earned money to have fun and possibly increase your bankroll. To achieve this, you need to be sober and make rational moves.

Drinking too much will impair your judgement and lead to bad decision-making. This is what casinos want and why they offer you free alcohol. It’s to make you get intoxicated to the point of losing your bankroll and all the money you brought with you to the casino. 

Furthermore, the casino is not just where you want to get drunk. There are several things that could go wrong. You could lose your money and personal valuables and, on top of that, be a nuisance to other players in the casino.

8. Tip the dealers

While it’s not mandatory, tipping the dealers is customary in many casinos, especially when you win. You don’t have to dole out all your cash; your tip could be from 5% to 10% of your bankroll or payout. Better still, you can place a wager on behalf of the dealer.

Apart from the dealers, you could also tip the cocktail staff when they serve your drink, the waitstaff, slot attendants, security and any other individual working in the casino. 

Tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the service provided by the casino staff. Most of them rely on these tips to complement their small income. By giving the staff a small percentage of your casino winnings, you can build a positive relationship with them and expect them to give you better service the next time you visit the establishment. 

7. Know the games and their rules

Casinos offer many games, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and more. Before you visit one, it is important you familiarise yourself with the titles and their rules, especially the ones you are interested in playing.

You can also learn about their odds, house edges, and procedures for playing these games in a brick-and-mortar casino. This knowledge will aid you in making better decisions and can improve your overall casino experience.

For instance, blackjack is easy to learn but challenging to master, and you wouldn’t win much money playing the game. On the other hand, it can be difficult to learn all the bets in craps, but when you do master the game, it can give you a higher payout than blackjack. 

You can also ask a dealer or a pit boss if you don’t understand something about a game. However, if you still don’t get it, it’s better not to play the game at all.

6. Casinos have a dress code

What you wear to a casino can determine the service you will get or if you will be allowed into the premises. Most casinos have a dress code; you can check on their websites or via their customer support. 

Even if a casino does not have a stated dress code, you are required to dress appropriately. Ever seen James Bond with flip-flops in a casino? Don’t wear too casual clothing even if you are on vacation.

There are several parts of a casino resort where the type of clothes you wear does not matter. However, when going to the casino area, you must dress for the occasion.

5. Get a Player Card

Like some online casinos, land-based casinos usually run a loyalty or rewards program. To benefit from these rewards, you will need to get a player card. The best part is that the card is free to obtain.

With the player card, you can get comps like free plays, free parking, complimentary meals, hotel rooms, merchandise and other exclusive benefits. The casino will also be able to track your play and offer you more personalised promotions and rewards.

Sometimes you will need to use the card to access these perks. For instance, you may need to insert it in a slot machine if you are playing slots or show it to a dealer when playing table games.

4. Know your casino etiquette 

There are several dos and don’ts you are required to follow when playing games in the casino. Some apply to your general conduct in the casino, while others address how you should handle cards or behave in a gaming area. 

Some of them include:

• Announce your actions before you take them.
• Don’t put your things on the gaming table.
• Don’t fold or squeeze your card.
• If you are not playing at that time, don’t sit on the chairs in a gaming area.
• Don’t distract other players.
• Don’t bring your kids or pets to the casino.
• Don’t fondle or play with your devices in the casino. 

3. Know when to quit

Knowing when to quit or take a break before visiting a casino is important. The casino’s environment is fast-paced, and one can quickly get lost in the excitement. Casinos do not want you to be conscious of time. No one will tell you it’s time to go home; leaving solely depends on you.

One of the best ways to determine when to call it a day in the casino is to set a win and a loss limit. Before you start gambling, decide on the amount you are willing to lose and stick to it. Similarly, you should have a predetermined win limit. When you hit these limits, it’s time to walk.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your emotions, mental state and physical well-being. If you start feeling frustrated, angry or anxious, it’s a sign that you have been too long at the tables, and it’s time to take a break or quit. 

2. Have Separate Budgets

Casinos offer lots of entertainment; games may be the most popular, but they are just part of a long list of entertaining things you could experience in a casino resort. Depending on the gambling establishment you visit, you can enjoy other offers like food, shows, drinks, shopping and other entertainment.

All these activities cost money, and it’s advisable to divide your funds into separate budgets for them. First, determine how much you are willing to spend at the casino in general. After that, divide the bankroll according to your scale of preference. 

For instance, let’s say you are willing to spend $1,000 in total at the casino. You can allocate $300 for gambling activities like slot machines and table games. Remember that the amount you budget to play games should be the money you can afford to lose. 

You can then allocate other amounts in the total fund for other activities like shopping or watching movies. When you have a budget, you won’t be worried about overspending in the casino, and the peace of mind that comes with this is great for your overall gambling experience. 

1. Focus on having fun, not winning

If you are going to the casino, know that the odds are stacked against you. The house always wins in the long run, and you will likely come back home with none of the money you entered with. If you go to a casino to play with 50 bucks, expect to lose that 50 and maybe even more.

As such, having fun should be your ultimate goal when you visit a casino. While it’s good to win money, don’t make it your top priority. If you win a couple of bucks, great! If you don’t, you have had a nice time; there is always another day. 

If you leave the casino feeling sadder than you entered, the aim has been defeated. That’s why it’s important to have a budget, as we have explained earlier and know when to quit. 

You have exhausted your playing bankroll? Take a break, visit the other fun parts of the casino resort, pack your bags and go home.