Casino etiquette for newcomers: a gentle introduction to the table

You need not be a regular to take a seat at a private gaming table. You do need to understand five small details about how the room operates.

Wait for the dealer to invite you in

A dealer midway through a shoe will not pause to seat a new player. Stand a courteous metre back, catch their eye, and wait for the nod. It always comes.

Place cash on the table, never hand it over

Set the bills on the felt; the dealer will count them before the camera and slide your chips across. Money is never exchanged hand to hand. This is not impoliteness; it is procedure.

Handle your cards with one hand only

In baccarat and blackjack, when cards are dealt face down, pick them up 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, not after a loss

A small chip pushed toward 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.

Walk away when you choose, not when you are down

The discipline of walking away is worth 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 number, and honour it.

Composed by the editorial team at Radiantridgeresort. Last updated 2026-07-20.