Casino etiquette for newcomers: a gentle introduction to the table

You need not be a regular to take a seat at a private gaming table. You do need to understand five small details about how the room operates.

Wait until the dealer signals you in

A dealer in the middle of a shoe will not pause to seat a new player. Stand a respectful metre back, catch their eye, and wait for the nod. It will arrive.

Buy chips with cash on the table, never in hand

Place the bills on the felt; the dealer will count them before the camera and slide chips toward you. Money is never exchanged hand to hand. This is not discourtesy; it is procedure.

Handle your cards with one hand only

At baccarat and blackjack, if cards are dealt face down, lift them with one hand only and keep them above the felt. It is the oldest rule in the room and the easiest to overlook.

Tip when you win, never when you lose

A modest chip slid to the dealer after a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss appears showy. If uncertain, observe the table for a few minutes — the regulars will teach you everything.

Leave when you are ready, not when you are losing

The discipline of stopping is more valuable than any system. We have seen guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and lose three months of careful play trying to repeat it on a Friday. Set a number, and honour it.

Written by the editorial team at Harbourtide. Last updated 2026-07-13.