I’m an etiquette expert… here’s the dos and don’ts of visiting a casino
AN etiquette expert has identified the dos and don’ts of visiting a casino such as not walking behind the croupier.
Other important don’ts include using your phone near the table or putting drinks on the betting tables.
A poll of 500 people who gamble found 24 per cent had seen behaviour in casinos which could get you in trouble.
Sitting at a table when not gambling (23 per cent) and disturbing other players (46 per cent) were other faux pas seen by those who have witnessed such behaviour.
However, eight in 10 of all respondents said casinos were not places people should feel intimidated at.
Expert Steve Madgwick, who gives coaching on etiquette and behaviour in casinos said: “There are certain no go’s which will be common sense to most casino visitors such as excessive drinking, touching someone else’s chips or trying to cheat.
“But there are also a number of frowned on behaviours that many people won’t be aware of such as putting your drink on the table, having your phone out and touching your cards at the wrong time or in the wrong way.
“Don’t be put off attending the casino thinking that you need to dress up like James Bond.
“Casinos around the UK and those along the strip in Vegas typically have a smart casual dress code which most will follow during the day, but come the evening you’ll see more people in formal business attire.
“Whilst beachwear and sportswear aren’t normally appropriate at any time, neither do you need to go super smart. Somewhere in between and you will blend in nicely.”
The study also found playing without understanding the rules, leaving items unattended and excessive drinking feature on the top 10 list of gambling no-nos.
With late bets on a roulette wheel, wearing dark glasses and ‘overstaying your welcome’ also among the things to avoid when laying bets in a gaming house.
When witnessing a betting blunder, 59 per cent would turn a blind eye, while just 11 per cent would quietly correct the error.
Nearly a third (31 per cent) of those polled reckon there are lots of rules and regulations that might put off people from visiting casinos.
And although 21 per cent feel they are too strict, half of respondents said these guidelines are ‘just right’ at keeping people in check.
A fifth of respondents have even seen someone escorted out of a casino, but just six per cent have been the one to be shown the door themselves.
Of those who have dabbled in both in-person and online betting, the physical experience of visiting a gaming house is the preferred option (33 per cent) over a virtual experience (31 per cent).
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found it’s not until the second visit that casino-goers have felt more at ease with gaming etiquette.
But 74 per cent agreed you don’t need to ‘know everything’ to enjoy yourself in a casino.
It also emerged lottery draws were shown to be the most popular choice for gamblers (64 per cent), followed by betting on horse racing (49 per cent) and purchasing scratch cards (48 per cent).
With the typical gambler trying their luck seven times a month, on average, chancing £54 in total.
A spokesperson for OLBG added. “Many people can find their first visit to a casino a bit intimidating as it feels as though everyone else knows exactly what to do.
“You don’t need to know everything before you enter a casino to have a good time.
“You will find casino croupiers to be very friendly and happy to explain how everything works as long as it isn’t at a really busy time.”