Learning to Survive in an Online Casino

The blinking lights, the riffling of chips and crash of coins all help to create one of the most unique and entertaining experiences in the world; however, if you've never stepped into a live casino before it can be a daunting experience.

Thankfully, beyond the decor and hive of activity you can find a sea of calm if you can follow the simple steps we've outlined in this article. So, with this in mind, let's take a look at some of our top etiquette tips:

Put on Your Sunday Best: Casinos are generally laid back places but that doesn't mean you can wear whatever you want. Some establishments will require you to wear at least a t-shirt and pair of jeans, while some will be more relaxed and allow shorts. However, the main thing to remember is that you'll always be required to wear at least a t-shirt; even in the most casual casino.

Don't throw you chips: this means that you should be careful when placing a bet in the middle of the table. There are two major reasons for this: by clearly placing your bet where you want it there can be no confusion when it comes to paying out a winner. Secondly, by not splashing the pot you don't run the risk of interfering with other people's bets and causing confusion at the table.

Say it: casinos can be noisy places but it's always wise to state your intended action, whether it be alerting the dealer that you'd like to bet on a certain number or that you wish to stand pat with your blackjack hand. On top of this you should make sure that any mistakes by the dealer when placing a bet are addressed quickly. By picking up on a mistake early you can often avoid a lengthy inquiry or, worse, losing your money.

Act it: To coincide with your verbal declarations, make sure that you physically signal your intention as well. This is most important when playing blackjack if you don't wish to take another card. The standard signal for wishing to stand is to wave your hand over the top of your cards once. By doing this the dealer, the pit boss and the casino's security team know definitely that you don't wish to take another card.

Be polite: In a casino, as with anywhere in life, it pays to be polite. The gambling environment can be very emotional and when people start to lose money they often become irritated. Letting your emotions control you when it comes to making a decision can cost you a lot of money. Whatever the outcome at a blackjack, roulette or craps table, don't take your frustrations out on those around you.

Don't rush: While most professional dealers and croupiers are highly skilled and as efficient as possible, there are times when they may need to take a few more seconds to complete a hand. Indeed, sometimes they might have to deal with multiple payouts or help arbitrate a dispute between a player and the casino. This can take time and you should always exercise patience in these situations. Rushing a dealer will not only increase the chances of them making a mistake, but it will also irritate those around you and lead to your ejection from the casino.

Respect the system: If you have a complaint at a gaming table then make sure you follow the proper channels of communication. The worst thing you can do when you're inside a casino is call for the pit boss or manager straightaway. Very often the dealer will be able to help you. By instantly demanding to see the highest authority you create a tense atmosphere at the table and risk alienating both your fellow gamblers and casino staff.