Playing Blackjack at the Casino

Over at my main website, CasinoDave.com, I primarily explain Blackjack Bonuses and how to bet on and play blackjack in an online setting. However, this doesn't teach people about the correct etiquette to use when you are playing at the blackjack table at a casino.

Blackjack Etiquette, Terms, and Rules

How to Conduct Yourself

Do you know how to conduct yourself in the casino? Pit bosses, boxmen, and dealers will give you the respect and courtesy you’re entitled to. Act like a gentleman or lady and you’ll be treated like one. Act like an ill-mannered boob and you’ll be treated accordingly.

When you sit down at a Blackjack table, the first thing you should do is take out the amount of money you want to convert into chips, say $100. Put the money down in front of you because a dealer is not allowed to take it from your hand.

The dealer will take the money, lay it in front of him, count out the same amount in chips, and then tell the Pit Boss the amount of money he is changing. In this case, he would say "$100 change." He will wait until he gets clearance from the pit boss and then put your $100 in chips in front of you.

Pull the stack close to you and place your bet on the layout in the spot in front of you. When the cards are dealt, you will be given two cards face up (Atlantic City rules - the rules vary from casino to casino in Las Vegas). The dealer gets one card face up and another face down.

Don’t touch your cards! (Again, this is an Atlantic City rule.)

Don’t be a Nuisance

All signals to the dealer regarding hitting, staying, or splitting and doubling down, are done with movements of your hand or by placing additional chips in front of your cards. Also, don’t touch your bet once it has been made!

If you touch your cards or bet, the dealer will give you a polite warning. Perhaps he’ll give you two polite warnings. Beyond that, you’re exceeding your quota. Don’t force the dealer to scold you a third time; you’ll make him angry.

Nobody likes an angry dealer.

If you are a smoker, show consideration for the people next to you by asking their permission to smoke. If they object, don’t smoke or go where you can. Some casinos now have smoking and no smoking tables, so take note of which one you’re at.

Don’t carry on unnecessary conversations. It’s distracting to other players. Besides, it’s extremely difficult to chatter and concentrate on your cards at the same time. What do you want to be? A socializer or a smart player?

Don’t be a cry baby.

Don’t ask for the waitress every two or three minutes.

In general, don’t be a nuisance. Acquire the conduct and class that will make you welcome in the casinos.