As an experienced casino player I’m often asked (by new players) about general land-based casino table etiquette – especially the etiquette to follow when playing at blackjack tables. Every casino table game has its own individual rules to follow. These rules apply to ALL casino table games played.

1) Never hand your money directly to the dealer. Always put your cash down on the surface of the table, so that the security cameras can see the values etc. Dealers cannot directly accept your money.

2) Never touch your chips once a game is in progress. You should not touch your chips from the initial placement until the game decision (win or loss) has been made, and the payout made accordingly. A casino may think you are trying to cheat / add to your beat if you touch the chips during play.

3) When you stack your chips up, put the highest denomination chips at the bottom of the stack, and the lowest denomination ones at the top. This is for the benefit of the dealer and the cameras.

4) Ask a dealer for advice if you want to. Their advice may be good or bad. Likewise you can ask other players for advice if you want to. It’s your choice. Ultimately you will decide how you play your hand.

5) Don’t offer other players your advice UNLESS THEY ASK FOR IT. Many players will get upset quickly if you try to tell them how to play their hands / spins. Money is a sensitive subject for gamblers.

6) Always give a hand signal for your decision. If you’re playing blackjack for example and want a card, tap the table. For no card, wave it away. Cameras can pick up hand signals, but generally not verbal “yes” or “no” discussions (some casinos do now capture audio) – so if there is ever a dispute, a clear hand signal will help to determine whether or not the dealer followed the players intended play correctly or not.

7) Ensure all of your bets are placed in time. On Blackjack, place all bets before the dealer signals “no more bets”. For roulette, place all bets before the dealer says “no more bets” or rings the bell.

8) If you are playing a card game like blackjack or baccarat, do NOT touch the cards (unless you are playing single deck blackjack or similar and the cards are dealt directly to you, rather than face up on the table). If you DO touch the cards, then ensure they stay ON the table at all times (in view of cameras), and DO NOT bend the corners. That kind of playing may get you removed / banned from the casino – or worse in some casino jurisdictions. NEVER attempt to touch the ball / wheel when playing Roulette.

9) Unless you know how to card count in blackjack etc, follow Blackjack Basic Strategy. That’s the most mathematically correct way to play every possible hand. Beginners have the best chance to win / break even, using this formula. Luck is still a factor – but limiting bad plays will reduce your losses.

10) Avoid Continuous Shuffler Machine games. They play about 20% more hands per hour than a hand shuffled game – so you’ll lose 20% faster than on other tables (on average – or win 20% faster if you’re having a run of exceptionally good luck). Casino software games online are even faster playing!

11) In many countries you cannot tip the dealers – so check first. In some countries you can’t enter a blackjack game mid-shoe – so check first. If you are able / going to tip a dealer, don’t be too tight: if you’re playing $5 a hand, then a good tip is probably about $5 per hour. But if you’re playing $100 a hand, then your tip should be more (say $20+). I personally believe that you should never tip when you’re losing… unless you want your money to run out even faster. Dealers and some players may disagree with that stance, it’s a personal one. And never tip if you get bad dealer service.

I hope you find these basic etiquette tips useful when next playing in your favourite land based casino.