Irrespective of where you go, there are certain standards that perpetuate in casinos worldwide. Some of which being considerably more desirable than others!
There’s no disputing the enjoyment that comes with spending time in a crowded casino. The atmosphere and energy really are second to none. Unfortunately, there will always be a few less than desirable patrons who seem hell-bent on spoiling things.
Even if they’re not doing it on purpose, they still do a pretty good job of it. Casino etiquette coming more naturally to some than others.
Ask any seasoned gambler and they’ll have heard the following phrases on countless occasions. Each time finding them significantly more infuriating than the last:
1. This game is rigged!
Casino etiquette lesson one – casino games these days are not rigged. While there may have been isolated instances of rigged casino games in times gone by, it just doesn’t happen these days. Casinos cannot and would not get away with it, so they don’t take the risk. Rules, regulations and auditing standards are far too meticulous to allow rigged games to slip through the net.
There are instances where players genuinely believe games are rigged. Typically, it’s simply a case of their own poor decision leading them to heavy losses. Casinos are legally obliged to clearly print comprehensive information regarding odds, house edge and so on. As such, if you end up getting things completely and utterly wrong, it’s entirely your own fault. Not a case of the casino games themselves being rigged.
So, when you hear someone claiming a casino game is rigged, they’re basically just admitting they’re a sore loser. Or perhaps, that they have no idea what they’re talking about. Or how casinos actually work in general. In any case, it’s infuriating to say the least!
2. Free drinks? Let’s get loaded!
On one hand, it’s natural to be pleasantly surprised to learn that casinos give away free drinks. Unfortunately, there will always be those who think it wise to utterly abuse this particular privilege. Failing to realise that it isn’t in fact a privilege at all.
In reality, casinos hand out free drinks for two very savvy reasons. The first of which being to lower your inhibitions and encourage you to gamble more. Even if you’ve only had a couple of beverages, you’re far more likely to spend more than you otherwise would. Secondly, every free drink makes you feel as if you’re saving the kind of money you can now spend on gambling. Even if it’s money you probably wouldn’t have spent on drinks in the first place. You’ll find yourself compelled to spend more with every free drink you’re handed.
Plus, getting loaded is a big casino etiquette error to avoid at all costs.
3. Can I borrow £1?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve recently pocketed a fortune and have more money than you know what to do with. Being asked for cash in a casino by a fellow gambler is always a regretful experience. Irrespective of the extent of your losing streak, never, EVER ask a complete stranger to lend you money under any circumstances. It’s not only extremely rude, but it puts the other person in the most uncomfortable position.
Still, it’s something that happens with surprising regularity in casinos worldwide. Particularly when combined with the previous annoyance outlined. People head out to casinos, abuse the free alcohol policy and summarily lose far more than they can afford to. The result of which being not only financial loss, but often a complete loss of dignity and standards.
Try not to play into the hands of those who are clearly desperate – they’ll only keep coming back for more.
4. TS, there’s no smoking ban
There are plenty of casinos worldwide that still permit smoking with absolutely no restrictions whatsoever. Which basically means that if you want to light up a massive cigar and wreck the health of everyone around you, you’re perfectly entitled to do so. Blowing smoke literally in the face of good casino etiquette.
Just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Sadly, there will always be those who revel in the absence of smoking ban. And proceed to happily puff away at the expense of everyone else. Worse still, try to inform them they’re having a negative impact on your enjoyment and they’ll be even more inclined to smoke than they were before.
When a smoker sits down in an area packed with non-smokers, it says pretty much everything you need to know about their personality. You’d like to think these kinds of unfortunate instances were few and far between these days. Sadly you’d also be completely wrong…it happens all the time! Casino etiquette is all about behaving appropriately for the many, not the few.
5. Dude, this machine is about to pay out!
Last but not least, this is another example of a phrase uttered that’s annoying as hell for two reasons.
First and foremost, you should never under any circumstances attempt to influence the decisions or anyone else in the casino. Doing so puts both of you in an extremely awkward position – bad casino etiquette. Successfully convince someone to do something and you immediately bear at least some of the responsibility for the outcome.
In addition, suggesting that a machine is about to pay out at any time simply confirms that you have no idea what you’re talking about. It’s one of the most fundamental basics of casino gaming. That being, the fact that there is no such thing as a ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ machine. Every spin is random and always will be.
So while it’s of no specific consequence to anyone else, you’ll immediately out yourself as a fool if you make this kind of claim. Even if you’re 100% convinced a machine really is about to pay out, do yourself a favour:
Keep your advice to yourself!