Casino manners for newcomers: a gentle introduction to the table

Regular status is not required to take a seat at a private gaming table. You should, however, understand five modest points 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.

Purchase chips with cash on the felt, never hand-to-hand

Lay the bills on the table; the dealer will count them before the camera and push chips toward you. Money is never exchanged directly between hands. This 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 a single 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 slid to the dealer following a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss comes across as ostentatious. When uncertain, observe the table for a few minutes — the regulars will teach you everything.

Depart when you are ready, not when you are losing

The discipline of stopping outweighs any system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and squander three months of careful play trying to repeat it on a Friday. Set a limit, and honour it.

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