Casino etiquette for newcomers: a discreet introduction to the table

You need not be a regular to join a private gaming table. You do need to understand five simple rules 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 arrives.

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

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

Handle 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 on a win, not on a loss

A modest chip pushed to the dealer after a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss appears theatrical. When uncertain, observe the table for a few minutes — the regulars demonstrate everything.

Depart when you choose, not when you are down

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

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