Casino etiquette for newcomers: a gentle introduction to the table

You need not be a regular to join a private gaming table. You do need five simple facts about how the room operates.

Wait for the dealer to invite you in

A dealer mid-shoe will not pause to seat a newcomer. Stand a respectful metre back, catch their eye, and wait for the nod. It will arrive.

Place cash on the felt to buy chips, never in hand

Lay bills on the table; the dealer counts them before the camera and slides chips across. Money never passes from hand to hand. This is procedure, not discourtesy.

Handle your cards with one hand only

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

Tip after a win, not after a loss

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

Depart when you choose, not when you are chasing losses

Knowing when to stop matters more than any system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and surrender three months of careful play trying to repeat it on a Friday. Set a limit, and honour it.

Prepared by the editorial team at Ivorysuitesbeach. Last revised 2026-07-13.