Casino manners for newcomers: a calm introduction to the floor

You need not be a familiar face to take a seat at a private gaming table. You do need five modest points about how the room operates.

Wait until the dealer waves you in

A dealer mid-shoe will not pause to seat a new arrival. Stand roughly a metre back, meet their glance, and wait for the nod. It arrives soon enough.

Buy chips with cash on the table, never handed

Lay the notes on the felt; the dealer will count them before the camera and push chips toward you. Cash is never exchanged hand to hand. That is procedure, not coldness.

Touch your cards only with one hand

At baccarat and blackjack, when cards arrive face down, lift them with a single hand and keep them above the felt. It is the oldest custom in the room and the simplest to overlook.

Tip when you win, never when you lose

A modest chip passed to the dealer after a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss can look theatrical. If unsure, observe the table for a few minutes — regulars reveal the rhythm.

Leave when you are ready, not when you are losing

Knowing when to stop outweighs any system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and then forfeit three months of careful play chasing it again on a Friday. Choose a figure, and honour it.

Prepared by the editorial team at Majesticshoregrand. Last updated 2026-07-27.