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Las Vegas Casinos - Entry Rules and Player Etiquette

Card Counting

Casinos are, of course, private property. As such, they reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone, at anytime, for any reason. This rule often extends to those suspected of card counting which, although not illegal, is frowned upon in the State of Nevada. Consequently, anyone alleged to be counting cards will, more than likely, be asked to leave, or be told that they should play a game other than blackjack.

Care of Valuables

As far as personal security is concerned, be vigilant at tables/slots with bags, purses, wallets and other valuables. Casino chips should not be left - for any reason - on the table, even if a dealer offers to supervise them. Count all chips and cash that you receive at the table or cage, as mistakes will not be rectified afterwards. At night, security guards can escort players to their vehicles in the casino's parking lot - especially important in downtown Las Vegas.

Entry Requirements

To gain entry into a casino within the State of Nevada and gamble legally, you must be at least 21 years of age. Parents with children can pass through a casino (for example if they're on the way to an in-house restaurant), although anyone attempting to sit at a table or play the slots with a child/minor by their side will be asked to leave.

Joining a Game

Casinos almost universally offer blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and slots, along with video poker, sports betting and baccarat. You certainly don't need much experience to enjoy video poker, slots or roulette although, for first-time gamblers, Vegas.com offers gaming lessons, along with tips on betting on everything from horse racing to baseball.

Blackjack and craps are a greater challenge to novice players, although casinos on the Strip usually offer free daily lessons, enabling you to prepare for the challenge of gaming for real against experienced players. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question, especially where money is concerned, so feel free to ask a dealer if in doubt.

Remember though that, although new and inexperienced players will be given some leweigh in small-limit games, the dealer's job is to move the game along at a satisfactory pace. Therefore, novice players should avoid larger houses, especially at peak hours, because they may be prompted to act if deemed to be delaying for an unreasonable period of time.

Before sitting down at a table, check out the placard displaying the betting minimum and maximum. Usually, they range from minimums of $1- $500 to maximums of up to $10,000. Low minimum tables tend to be crowded, while minimums in casinos along the Strip tend to be higher than those downtown, for example in casinos along Fremont Street.

Problem Gambling

If gambling becomes a problem, then call 1-800-522-4700 for confidential help 24 hours a day. The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling have also produced a brochure entitled "When the Fun Stops - Understanding Compulsive Gambling" which is available at casino cages and players club desks.

Warning signs of problem gambling include:

i) gambling to escape everyday problems and worries.

ii) gambling to get money to resolve financial problems.

iii) borrowing money to gamble or to cover gambling debts.

iv) selling personal possessions to gamble or to cover gambling debts.

v) inability to stop gambling regardless of win or loss levels.

vi) gambling until you've lost your last dollar.

vii) neglecting your job, family and self because of gambling.

viii) an unhappy home life because of gambling.

ix) reluctance to use "gambling money" for necessary household expenses.

x) feelings of hopelessness, depression or suicidal thoughts because of gambling

Slot/Players Club Cards

A slot, or players club card gives gamers the chance to receive rewards for gambling at a particular casino or group of casinos. Applications can be submitted online or at the casino itself, where many have their own players club desks.

Determined by how long you've spent at the table, as well as the amount spent, players accrue points which can then be exchanged for free dining vouchers, special gifts, complimentary hotel stays or entry to slot tournaments.

Among the most popular is Harrah's Total Rewards Club, while other schemes include Station's Boarding Pass and the Caesars Palace Connection Card (for Bally's, Caesars, Flamingo, Grand Casinos and Paris brand casinos).

Players club cards automatically allocate perks for slot players, while pit bosses keep an eye on table players. If you've been playing for some time, feel free to ask the pit boss for a rating (to check whether a complimentary perk is coming your way).

Smoking on the Premises

Smoking, which is nowadays banned in most public places, is still permitted in casinos throughout Las Vegas. Those who wish to avoid the dangers of secondary smoke can find non-smoking tables or slots areas in most casinos. However, the smell of smoke may permeate throughout, making it hard for non-smokers to avoid it fully.

Tipping

Tipping is an essential part of casino etiquette. As dealers are paid minimum wage, they expect to share part of your winnings for the evening. Although it's neither mandatory nor necessary, a tip of up to 10% for a net win is seen as good form, although that's being generous to a fault.

Even a small gratuity is welcome, however, often relaxing the dealer which, in turn, has an effect on the speed and nature of the game. For drinks, cocktail waitresses expect $1 for each drink, while valet parking staff should receive $2-$3.

Use of Electronic Equipment

The use of electronic items, even for personal use, is frowned upon by casinos. By their very nature, such venues are unfriendly environments in which to operate cell phones, although their use while seated at a table or slot machine is strictly forbidden. The "no use" rule extends to sport books where pagers and cell phones should not be turned on.

Although some websites claim that rules regarding the use of cameras have been relaxed in recent years (a no-photography policy has existed in many casinos, largely to protect the anonymity of players) management at most premises will not permit their use on the gaming floor. Where, perhaps, the demarcation between casino and public right-of-way is indistinct, advice should be sought from a security guard or casino employee.

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