Las Vegas offers all kinds of excitement. From the street entertainment on the strip to the world renowned stage shows, rooftop roller coasters, classics diners and iconic landmarks under year-round sun, Vegas has so much to titillate, tantalise and dazzle the senses. But the cornerstone of its allure is gambling, it’s what the city has been built upon. So if you’re new to the casino, what should you expect and how can you look like a pro in the Sin City.
At The Table
Listen to the dealer. He or she is guiding the action. If you’re unsure, watch a few rounds of betting before joining a table then follow the lead of the dealer. Before you can play you will of course need to buy your chips and this is actually one of the easiest mistakes you can make. Every table has minimum and maximum bets so be aware of these before you sit down to avoid handing over $10 at the blackjack table only to be told the minimum bet is $20. Also, don’t hand the dealer your cash, simply lay it on the table and wait for the dealer to acknowledge it and exchange for chips.
Etiquette
Knowing how to act in a casino is different from playing online, just as playing the mechanical slots is different to enjoying online slots from the comfort of home. You can’t go to the casino in your pyjamas! In fact, you’ll want to dress smart-casual and may have to leave the sandals and shorts in your hotel room. It’s also worth noting your selfies are not welcome, the drinks are free if you’re playing (but don’t over indulge), and tip dealers when you walk away from a table game.
Handling Chips
At the roulette table remember which chips are yours as you’ll get different colored chips to the other players. Because of this, you’ll need to cash-out at the table to receive generic casino chips. Indicate to the croupier you want to leave and he or she will exchange the chips. It’s the same for craps and blackjack. Don’t touch other players’ chips, and don’t touch your own during a roulette spin or hand of blackjack, but remember to move your winning bets once the round has finished otherwise they’ll “ride” on the next bet.
Confidence with Lessons
Table games can be daunting for the beginner. If you want to avoid feeling out of your depth, stick to slots and video poker. But blackjack and craps are two of the most popular casino games. If you want to give them a go, consider the free daily lessons many casinos on the Vegas strip offer. On less busy days, dealers may be happy to help novices but if it’s busy, expect to be up to speed like the other players at the table.
Whether it’s your first trip to Las Vegas or your first experience of the casino, the Sin City offers so many delights you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed. It’s a place that has a singular character, the sparkling lights of the city’s famous strip appearing as if from nowhere on your way in from the highways of the Nevada desert. Plan ahead and take your time to take it all in for an unforgettable trip.
