Playing with Class: Casino Etiquette for Beginners

On the Mississippi River, gambling took place on lavishly decorated riverboats, where card sharps and professional gamblers plied their trade. Gambling in the Wild West
While Europe had its grand casinos, gambling in 19th-century America was a much rougher affair.

The Golden Age of European Casinos
In the 19th century, the casino concept flourished in spa towns across Europe, such as Baden-Baden in Germany and Spa in Belgium. This era cemented the casino's association with luxury, glamour, and sophistication.

Feeling compelled to play rather than wanting to. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available. Organizations like GamCare, BeGambleAware, and Gamblers Anonymous offer free, confidential support and resources. Play smart, stay safe, and keep it fun. Going into debt because of gambling. Being secretive about your gaming habits. Wagering funds meant for essential expenses. Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities to gamble.

Similarly, tipping the person who brings you drinks is also expected. Do Tip Your Dealer and Cocktail Waitress
Tipping is a customary part of the casino experience in many countries, especially the US.

This elite level of gaming is a crucial component of the modern casino business model, driving profits and defining the very essence of high-stakes gambling. The world of high rollers provides a fascinating glimpse into the upper echelons of the casino industry.

The Birthplace: Il Ridotto in Venice
The very first state-sanctioned, public gambling house is widely considered to be the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. The word "casino" itself originates from Italian, meaning "little house."

This could mean playing blackjack at $1,000 a hand, betting thousands on a single spin of the roulette wheel, or feeding a high-limit slot machine with $100 per spin. Generally, a high roller is someone who consistently bets large amounts.

Treat Gambling as an Entertainment Expense
The most important rule is to view money spent on gambling as a cost for entertainment, just like buying a movie ticket or going to a concert. Never expect to win, and certainly don't rely on it as a source of income.

Player: The Key Distinction
The single most significant difference lies in your opponent. The rules and payouts are structured to give the casino a long-term mathematical advantage, known as the "house edge." No matter how well you play, the odds are permanently, if slightly, stacked against you.

Gourmet Dining and Entertainment: Reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, front-row seats to sold-out shows, and access to exclusive nightclubs. Loss Rebates: One of the most valuable comps is a loss rebate. The casino might agree to return a percentage (e.g., 10-20%) of a player's losses back to them in cash or playing credits. For the most elite players, the comps can include:

Luxury Accommodation: Complimentary stays in opulent penthouse suites, often with private butlers, pools, and gaming rooms. While these players generate immense revenue, a single lucky whale can have a significant negative impact on a casino's quarterly earnings. Personal Casino Host: A dedicated host acts as a personal concierge, available 24/7 to handle any request, from booking a tee time to finding a rare bottle of wine. Why Casinos Cater to VIPs
Catering to high rollers is a high-risk, high-reward business for the casino. Private Transportation: The casino will often arrange and pay for all travel.

Don't Use Your Phone at the Table
Most casinos have a strict policy against using mobile phones while seated at a table game. It's distracting to other players and the dealer, and it's a security concern.

Remember to always treat casino staff with respect. Don't Blame the Dealer for Your Losses
The dealer is simply facilitating the game; they have no control over the outcome of the cards or the spin of the wheel.

This makes it a unique and enduringly compelling game, one where long-term success is earned through study and practice, not just wished for with a lucky charm. While poker is found within the walls of a casino, it is fundamentally different from the house-banked games surrounding it.

How to Act: The Positive List

Do Know the Rules Before You Play
It's considered poor form to sit down at a table game like blackjack or craps without knowing the basic rules. This slows down the game for everyone and can frustrate other players.

The Online Era
The latest chapter in casino history began in the mid-1990s with the advent of the internet. This ongoing digital transformation, now centered on mobile devices, continues to redefine what a casino is and casino where it can be experienced.

Chasing losses is one of the quickest ways to get into financial trouble. Do not exceed this self-imposed limit, no matter what. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
Before you start playing, decide on a specific amount of money you are willing to lose and can comfortably afford. Only gamble with discretionary income, not money needed for rent, casino bills, or other essentials.