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 to understand five small customs 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 always comes.

Buy chips by placing cash on the table, never in hand

Lay the bills on the felt; the dealer counts them before the camera and slides chips across. Cash is never exchanged hand to hand. That is not discourtesy — it is procedure.

Handle your cards with one hand only

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

Tip after a win, never after a loss

A modest chip pushed to the dealer after a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss comes across as theatrical. When unsure, observe the table for a few minutes — the regulars will teach you.

Depart when you are ready, not when you are down

The discipline of walking away matters more than any system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and surrender three months of careful play chasing the same result on a Friday. Set a limit, and honour it.

Prepared by the editorial team at Pearl Stay Sands. Last updated 2026-07-13.