6 Casino Rules Tourists Break Within The First 10 Minutes

It's your first time visiting a casino while traveling with some friends, and you're hyping each other up as you walk towards the entrance. The glitzy lights and the screams of joy from someone hitting it big at a nearby slot machine create an exciting atmosphere. Money in hand, you quickly scan the room and see a few empty seats at a table. Without knowing how to play the game, you place $100 down — but in the blink of an eye, you've lost all your cash. You may not realize it, but you've just broken one of the many rules tourists break within the first 10 minutes of stepping into a casino.

From the lavish Lamborghini- and Bentley-clad driveway of the Casino de Monte-Carlo to the small, no-frills spots found in the corners of rural America, tourists visit all types of casinos around the world. And much like an airport at 2 a.m., they may feel like a place where time doesn't exist. However, despite their visually chaotic carpet designs, noise levels, and frenetic atmosphere, casinos are well-oiled machines that have specific guidelines and restrictions in place for guests. These may be as simple as following a dress code to understanding how to play certain games before you take a seat. But regardless of how clearly stated they are, newbies still regularly violate plenty of them. 

House rules are in place to increase patron enjoyment, guarantee that workers are treated respectfully, and improve overall safety. So the next time you're looking to hit the jackpot or just want to experience the rush of going "all in," take a moment to do a mental checklist. Make sure you aren't doing anything that will leave you red-faced, or even worse — with an empty wallet.

You're on a pretty epic losing streak, which isn't exactly the best-case scenario when visiting a casino. Yet you still reach into your wallet, pull out some bills, and think, "What's another $20?" Gambling can be fun, especially when you're winning. But not setting a budget? Well, that's a surefire way for you to leave yourself high and dry for the rest of your trip faster than you can say "hit me" to the dealer. Just because you're on vacation, you don't need to be frivolous with your savings. 

A good way to ensure that you stick to a budget is by withdrawing a set amount of cash, then leaving any debit or credit cards at home or in your hotel room. It might be tempting to take more money out of an ATM — even more so if peer pressure from friends comes into play. But knowing that you won't wake up the next morning with a negative balance in your account is a winning feeling in and of itself.

While not every casino follows a strict dress code, you can bet your bottom dollar on one thing — looking presentable is typically required at every casino establishment. Don't worry, you won't need to wear your Sunday best or dust off your suit and tie to visit most casinos. But if you think you can strut in wearing exercise clothing, looking more than a little disheveled, think again. Depending on the casino, some dress codes may be more rigid than others. 

For example, at the aforementioned Casino de Monte-Carlo, a more prestigious spot, sportswear and ripped clothing are strictly prohibited. After 7 p.m., patrons aren't allowed to show up wearing T-shirts or sweatshirts. In contrast, St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake — a buzzing casino offering lively vibes, great games, and low buy-ins — welcomes anyone dressed in casual and comfortable clothing. If you're ever unsure about how to dress, calling the property or checking out the Frequently Asked Questions section on its website is a good way to avoid any fashion faux pas.

Whether you're visiting the eight oldest casinos in the U.S. or testing your luck at some of the world's largest casinos, not paying attention to your surroundings is a quick way to put a damper on your trip. This rule hits especially close to home for me personally. One night, I went to a casino with a couple of friends, and we were having fun. While at a roulette table that we'd been camped at for quite some time, I made a mistake with consequences that neither I nor my companions saw coming. As I placed down my bet, I turned to ask my friend a question, an act which took around 30 seconds. I faced the table again and saw that my bet had won — or so I thought. As I reached for the chips, another player mentioned that they belonged to him. I stated that they were mine, but confusion ensued.

Eventually, I alerted the dealer, who then had security check the cameras, and sure enough, they showed that I was brazenly robbed. I had to remain seated at the table and wasn't allowed to leave until security verified the footage. But unfortunately, those 30 seconds were all it took for a passerby to reach behind me, swipe my chips, and walk out the door with my winnings.

This incident — along with many others reported by news outlets and shared by gambling enthusiasts on platforms like Reddit — is a stark reminder of the need to always have your wits about you, even at a place as seemingly secure as a casino.

Having free drinks served to you while you're perched at a slot machine for hours on end may seem like a great way to spend a night. However, drinking too much can certainly have a negative effect — both on your inhibitions and your wallet. Some (but not all) casinos will offer free drinks to guests as long as they continue playing. Providing complimentary alcohol is a clever ploy used by these establishments to keep gamblers spending their hard-earned money for hours. But many inexperienced players don't realize that once the alcohol starts to flow, they may become overzealous with their betting. 

Keep in mind that excessive drinking while playing can make it more challenging to regulate your emotions and make good decisions, especially if the odds aren't in your favor with the hands you're dealt. One study from 2010 looking at the effects of alcohol on gambling behavior found evidence suggesting that "alcohol use may contribute to longer duration of gambling episodes and increased amount of money spent." 

In a Facebook video, digital creator Jacobs Life in Vegas recommends never accepting this free alcohol in order to keep your head straight. Meanwhile, Gambler's Help suggests setting limits (of time, money, or number of beverages) in advance if you do intend to drink while playing. 

According to a survey commissioned by review site CasinoTopsOnline, a whopping 35% of people who attempt to sit in on a game have been asked to leave for not understanding the rules. It may be tempting to walk up to a table that has a lot of commotion and excitement happening around it. But before you take a seat, you may want to spend some time watching a few rounds first. If you're a newcomer to a specific table game, observing the rules and how the dealer is operating can be beneficial for you. You can also ask floor staff to show you the ropes before jumping in. 

Pay attention to the minimum and maximum betting amounts as well. Table minimums can be as low as $1 and as high as $500. This number varies among establishments, rooms, and games, though. For instance, high-roller rooms, filled with celebrities, VIPs, and straight-faced poker players wearing their darkest sunglasses, typically set significantly greater minimums to ensure exclusivity. 

If you're ever unsure of the rules of a game, it doesn't hurt to do a little research prior to your casino visit. This way, you can understand what your next move should be at the blackjack table, or better identify if your fellow players are bluffing during a round of poker. 

During a night out at a casino, you and your friends are dressed up and looking sharp. You're all sitting around a roulette table, and just as you bust out your phone to take a few selfies and a video to commemorate the experience, the dealer politely asks you to leave the table. What did you do? You just committed one of the 10 things that can get you banned from a casino. Touching your phone, or using it to film or snap photos, is a big no-no at most casinos.  

In the aforementioned survey, it was reported that 60% of people are clueless when it comes to phone-use restrictions. At many casinos, mobile devices aren't even allowed on the table. Chatting on your cellphone or recording a game can be construed as cheating and can present a security issue, even though you may have had innocent intentions. If you need to check your messages, make a call, or post to your socials, it's best to step away rather than be forcibly removed.

Now that you're aware of the proper etiquette and general restrictions, you can make sure that you're abiding by these casino rules for an enjoyable and safe evening out.