Casinos are fun – nobody denies that. Besides being places to gamble, they are great spaces to people-watch, eat, watch a ballgame or boxing match, and drink. Nobody thinks much about the things you can’t do at a casino, though.
Things You Shouldn’t Do While Gambling
Before your first trip to a casino, you should research where you’re going and learn what not to bring with you, how not to behave, and what not to do while you’re gambling. You would be surprised to learn that casinos have strict rules about everything from dress and conduct to the use of electronics. Some rules are no-brainers, but others are things you might not know.
What Not To Bring
Certain items you may assume are commonplace in other areas are actually not acceptable at casinos. Before you have your belongings stolen or confiscated, read on to learn what to leave at home.
First, don’t try to bring weapons into a casino. Even if you have an open carry permit or other public spaces in your state allow it, casinos do not. To begin with, there is too great a risk of personal injury with so many people in an enclosed space. If another patron tried to take your weapon or security saw you as a threat, outcomes could be tragic.
It feels silly to even say this, but leave your pets at home! We’re not talking about service dogs who assist disabled people. Service dogs are trained to deal with crowds, loud noises, flashing lights, and more. But your sweet beagle who spends his life sleeping on the sofa doesn’t know how to handle those things well. An upset dog leads to upset people, and you never know who might be allergic or scared. So, service dogs – yes. Your best furry friend – no. And we’re not going to talk about cats and birds because why is that even a good idea?
Another thing that is not a good idea is bringing drugs into a casino. Even though many casinos have more relaxed smoking laws, and even though more states are legalizing marijuana every year, that doesn’t mean you can smoke pot at the casino. If you want to indulge, then do it at home and play online casino games instead.
If you have kids, get a babysitter for the night. Children are persona non grata in casinos if their adult is gambling. If you’re just walking through to get to another part of the resort or hotel, that’s okay. But parking your kiddo next to you for a hand of blackjack or a turn at the slots? Not cool.
How to Behave
Etiquette matters in casinos. Even though people are there to have fun, casinos still want patrons to behave respectably. Dress properly because if you don’t meet the dress code, you won’t be allowed in. Some casinos have a more formal dress code, while others are strictly casual. But the same rules that apply to restaurants are true here as well: no shirt, no shoes – no service.
Similarly, casinos are always trying to put their best foot forward. Patrons won’t come to play if a casino develops a rough reputation. Watch your alcohol. Don’t be that belligerent drunk person everyone will be talking about the next day. Watch your language. Even if you get mad, don’t yell or swear at the dealer, pit boss, or wait staff. If you’re having a good night, and even if you’re not, don’t forget to tip! Employees make minimum wage, and tips are usually pooled, or the dealers have to tip out the wait staff, pit bosses, and even valets. Be considerate, just as you would in a restaurant.
If you’re at a table to play, don’t use your phone. It just isn’t polite. The chances are that you won’t be able to get a signal inside anyway. But if you can, don’t be that person who can’t be bothered to unplug for a night. If you have to check on the sitter, take a break and leave the floor.
Other Things to Avoid
It goes without saying that good behavior extends to gambling. Everyone wants to have fun at a casino, and you’re sure to ruin a good time if you engage in any of these activities.
Don’t try to gamble if you’re underage. Gambling age rules vary by location, so know before you go! And that fake ID? Leave that at home, too. Casino security has been around the block a time or twelve, and they are very good at their jobs. Don’t try them.
Don’t take pictures. Even if you want to chronicle everything about your vacation, keep your camera out of the casino. At best, you’ll annoy people. At worst, the pit bosses will think that you are trying to take photos to cheat. So take all the pictures you want outside, but what happens on the floor stays on the floor.
And about cheating? Just don’t, because you will get caught. The same goes for counting cards. Both are activities that could theoretically get you arrested and will definitely get you thrown out of the casino. Trust us, a fun night out isn’t worth gaining a criminal record. And besides, cheating really isn’t cool.
Remember all the times in school that you were told to keep your hands to yourself? Sitting at a casino table is the perfect place to practice! No matter how tempting it is, never interfere with the dealer. Don’t move your chips or remove them from the table, and definitely don’t touch anyone else’s chips, either.
Final Thoughts
Even if following rules isn’t your strong suit, everyone should try when it comes to casinos. Following the house rules, observing common etiquette, and leaving distractions at home will ensure that everyone in your group has a fun and relaxing time. Whether you win big at roulette, eat a ton of crab legs, or break even at the slots, it will be a night to remember. And by keeping your vices in check, you will remember it!