Casino etiquette and table manners explained

Casino etiquette is a set of unwritten habits that keep tables calm, fair and friendly. Most of it is common sense, and dealers will usually explain a rule if you ask. This guide is for readers who want to understand how tables work. It does not encourage anyone to gamble, and every casino game has a house edge, so players lose on average.

At the table

Wait for a seat to be free before you sit, and ask politely before joining a game in progress. At many tables you can only buy in between rounds, so wait until the dealer has finished the hand or the spin.

Place bets while betting is open, and keep your hands off the layout once the dealer closes it. In roulette, for example, no bets can be placed, moved or removed after the croupier has closed betting, and nobody touches the bets until payouts are finished.

Handle cards only where the game allows it. In many card games the dealer deals everything, and players should not touch the cards or the shoe.

Respect for other players

• Do not comment on other players' bets or give advice they did not ask for.
• Do not blame the dealer for a result. The dealer does not control the cards or the wheel.
• Do not reach across other players to place chips. Ask the dealer to place the bet for you.
• Keep your voice and your reactions reasonable. Celebrating is fine; shouting at players or staff is not.
• Keep your phone silent, and do not take photos or video unless the venue says it is allowed. Many venues restrict this to protect other guests' privacy.

Dealers, staff and the rules

Dealers are staff, not opponents. Be polite, follow their instructions and ask if you do not understand a bet or a payout. If you disagree with how a round was settled, say so calmly before the next round begins and let the dealer or a supervisor sort it out.

Tipping customs vary by place and by venue. It is optional and never part of the rules of the game, so do not feel pressure either way.

Read the table limits and the payout card before you play. They are there so that everyone at the table knows the same rules.

The same manners apply when you play a live-dealer game from a screen. Chat is for friendly conversation, not abuse, and it may be moderated. Do not share personal details such as your address or your account information in a chat window.

Good manners also include knowing when to stop. If a game stops being enjoyable, step away from it.

18+ only. This article is for information, not advice to gamble. Responsible gambling.