Casinos can be exciting places to spend time, but to make the most of the experience—and to ensure those around you enjoy it too—it helps to follow some basic etiquette.

While much of this etiquette is considered “unwritten,” we have set out the key points so you’ll know what’s expected on your next visit to a UK casino.

Recommendation: Use this as the introduction under Casino Etiquette: A Quick Guide.
Next step: Expand into a concise list of do’s and don’ts, such as handling chips properly, respecting dealers, and avoiding disruptive behaviour.

Be Polite and Respectful

The first rule of good casino etiquette is to be polite and respectful to everyone you encounter. Casinos are environments of high emotion, where wins and losses can run close together, and tensions can rise quickly. Treating staff and fellow players as you would like to be treated helps maintain a calm, enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Recommendation: Place this under Be Polite and Respectful as the opening etiquette guideline.
Next step: Continue with another practical rule, such as respecting table limits or handling chips correctly.

Dress Smartly and Appropriately

Not long ago, visiting a UK casino meant adhering to a strict dress code. Today, most venues have relaxed their rules, with “smart casual” serving as the standard. Even so, sportswear, football shirts, and similar attire are often not permitted.

Elsewhere, expectations vary. In some countries where gaming laws remain more traditional, stricter standards still apply—jackets, for example, may be required to gain entry.

By contrast, in many parts of the USA, where casinos operate with open access and no membership requirements, dress codes are far more relaxed. It’s not unusual to see players in sportswear, team colours, or even loungewear at the slots and tables.

Recommendation: Place this under Dress Smartly and Appropriately to provide cultural context.
Next step: Conclude the section with a short line advising readers to check dress codes before visiting, as standards still differ between casinos.

Avoid Using Your Phone at the Table

Mobile phones are generally not permitted at gaming tables, and in many casinos, you may not even place one on the table. They can disrupt the flow of the game and raise potential security concerns.

If you receive a call while playing, the best practice is to step away from the table before answering. To avoid interruptions altogether, consider switching your phone to airplane mode before you begin, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable session.

Recommendation: Use this under Avoid Using Your Phone at the Table to underline both etiquette and security considerations.
Next step: Follow with another etiquette point, such as respecting table limits or handling chips properly.

Seats Are for Players Only

Seats at casino gaming tables are reserved for active players. You should not occupy a seat unless you intend to take part in the game.

Occasionally, exceptions are made—for example, a guest accompanying a player may be permitted to sit if there is space. Even then, this courtesy is not guaranteed, and the guest must give up the seat immediately if another paying player wishes to join the table.

Recommendation: Place this under Seats Are for Players Only as a clear guideline on table etiquette.
Next step: Continue with another practical rule, such as tipping etiquette or how to handle chips correctly.

Don’t Play While Intoxicated

It can be tempting to drink while at the casino—especially in destinations like Las Vegas, where complimentary cocktails are never far away. A drink or two may help you relax, but overindulgence can quickly turn a fun night into a negative experience for both you and those around you.

While a light-hearted player can add to the atmosphere, drunk players are disruptive. They often slow down the game, break its natural rhythm, and create an uncomfortable environment for dealers and fellow players.

More importantly, playing while intoxicated clouds judgment. Poor decisions, reckless bets, and unnecessary risks with your bankroll become far more likely. Casinos take this seriously, and excessive drinking can result in being asked to leave or even being barred from returning.

Recommendation: Place this under Don’t Play While Intoxicated to stress that moderation protects both enjoyment and bankroll.
Next step: Conclude the etiquette section with one final guideline, such as tipping dealers or knowing table limits.

Never Touch Other Players’ Chips

Other players will not appreciate you touching their chips—and with good reason. Chips represent real money and must be treated with respect. One of the most important rules of casino play is to handle only your own chips and keep your hands away from others’.

The only exception is the dealer, who may handle your chips as part of the game. This rule is particularly important in games like roulette, where multiple players crowd around the table and chips move frequently across the layout.

Recommendation: Place this under Never Touch Other Players’ Chips as a firm guideline.
Next step: Wrap up your etiquette section with a short summary reminding readers that following these simple rules ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Show Respect to Dealers and Casino Staff

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a casino is showing disrespect toward dealers or other staff. They are not responsible for whether you win or lose, and blaming them for an unlucky hand or spin is both unfair and unacceptable. Dealers are there to keep the game running smoothly, and like all staff, they deserve courtesy and professionalism from players, regardless of the outcome of the bets.

Recommendation: Keep this tone—firm but professional—to underline that etiquette is about respect as much as rules.
Next step: Place this as the closing reminder in your etiquette guide, reinforcing the importance of good conduct.

Allow Others to Play in Peace

People visit casinos for different reasons. Some enjoy the lively atmosphere of conversation and laughter, while others prefer to focus quietly on the game. If you notice that a fellow player would rather keep to themselves, respect their space and avoid forcing interaction.

Making other players uncomfortable can disrupt the atmosphere and may even cause them to leave the table, which won’t reflect well with casino staff. A good rule of thumb is to be mindful of others’ boundaries and let them play in peace. In fact, it’s not uncommon for serious players—particularly at blackjack tables—to raise their stakes simply to avoid disruptive or distracting company at lower limits.

Recommendation: Use this refined version to reinforce the importance of respecting personal boundaries in a casino.
Next step: Add a short reminder that keeping the table atmosphere positive benefits everyone.

Keep Food Away from the Gaming Table

Having a drink at the table is perfectly acceptable, but eating while playing is generally discouraged. Even if it isn’t strictly against the rules, it can be off-putting for other players to watch someone juggling food and chips. Beyond that, eating at the table raises hygiene concerns and can disrupt the smooth flow of the game.

Recommendation: Keep drinks only at the table and save food for designated areas.
Next step: Maintain this concise, respectful tone across all etiquette tips.

Avoid Saying “Seven” at the Craps Table

In casino culture, one of the most strongly held superstitions is never to say the word seven at a craps table. The reason is simple: rolling a seven usually means the end of a winning streak for players, which makes it good for the house but bad for everyone else. Saying it aloud is considered bad luck, almost like inviting the roll to happen.

If you’re new to craps, you might not realise this and could attract some sharp looks from other players. To avoid upsetting the table atmosphere, it’s best not to call out numbers at all—unless you’re clearly placing a bet with the dealer.

Recommendation: Keep this version—it reads cleanly and reinforces both superstition and etiquette.
Next step: Would you like me to refine all etiquette sections into a single, flowing casino etiquette guide?