Casino Etiquette for First-Timers

Casino etiquette in Las Vegas covers the unwritten rules every first-timer needs before touching a chip: the legal gambling age is 21, table minimums vary widely by property and time of day, hand signals replace verbal commands at table games, tipping dealers and cocktail servers is expected, and phones must stay off the felt.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are typical table game minimums on the Las Vegas Strip?

Strip blackjack minimums typically run $15–$25 during the day and climb sharply on weekend evenings at upscale properties. Downtown and off-Strip casinos regularly offer $5–$10 tables even during peak hours. Minimums fluctuate with crowd size, so check the placard on the table before sitting down.

Can I use my phone or take photos on the casino floor?

Phone and photo policies vary by property. Many casinos now allow selfies and short personal videos at slots and table games, including MGM's nine Las Vegas properties. However, live-streaming, filming other players without consent, and placing your phone on the felt during play remain broadly prohibited. Always check the specific casino's posted policy.

How old do you have to be to gamble in Las Vegas?

You must be 21 years old to gamble anywhere in Nevada — slots, table games, poker, sports betting, and keno all carry the same minimum age under Nevada Revised Statute 463.350. Gambling under 21 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Anyone under 21 may walk through a casino but cannot linger near gaming areas.

What are the most important table game etiquette rules for beginners?

Always use hand signals (tap for 'hit,' wave for 'stand' in blackjack) rather than verbal commands alone. Place cash flat on the felt — never hand it directly to the dealer. Never touch your chips or cards once a hand is in play, and exchange chips between hands, not during active play.

What should I wear to a Las Vegas casino?

Most Las Vegas casino floors have no strict dress code, but smart-casual is the safest default. Daytime casual — neat jeans, collared shirts, clean sneakers — is widely accepted. Evening visits call for slightly smarter attire; avoid flip-flops, torn clothing, or overly revealing outfits. High-limit rooms and nightclubs within casinos often enforce stricter standards.

Should I sign up for a players club card, and is it free?

Yes — every major Las Vegas casino offers a free loyalty card (Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards, Boyd Rewards, Club One, etc.) that earns points toward free play, dining comps, and hotel discounts. Sign up at the players club desk with a valid government-issued photo ID before you start playing, so no play goes untracked.

Are drinks really free while gambling?

Most Las Vegas casinos offer complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to guests actively playing at slots or table games. Cocktail servers typically circulate every 15–30 minutes; you must be visibly wagering to receive service. Tipping the server $1–$5 per drink encourages faster, more attentive rounds.

Do I have to tip the dealer and cocktail server?

Tipping is a deeply ingrained part of Las Vegas casino culture. A common guideline is $1 on small wins or $5–$10 when leaving a table game, and $1–$5 per complimentary drink for cocktail servers. Dealers rely on tips as a significant part of their income, and tipping keeps the atmosphere friendly.

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