A Guide To Casino Etiquette

By Adam H. Graham | Published on February 1, 2024

Paging Lady Luck. Are you ready to roll the dice? Could this be your big night at the slot machines? Want to learn how to shoot craps? Casino Royale℠ is found on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and enjoying it to the fullest doesn't require any special training. That said, it's good to be prepared for your night of glitz, glamour and gambling. Understanding basic casino etiquette and downloading a few cruise casino tips beforehand can help you enjoy the evening even more. Below is a straight-shooting, no-nonsense guide on what to know before going to Casino Royale. Blow on the dice, knock on wood, don your best poker face and get ready for a night of winning.

Before You Roll The Dice

To many, a night out at the casino is about freedom, chance and opportunity, but before you roll the dice, it's important to brush up on standard casino etiquette. Proper etiquette at the casino will guarantee you have a fun night soaking up all of the excitement.

For starters, a night at the tables and slot machines is the perfect chance to dress up to the nines. While Casino Royale doesn't have a strict dress code, shoes and shirts are required, and bathing suits are forbidden or must be covered up. It's best to treat casinos as opportunities to sparkle. Go ahead and channel your inner James Bond or Sharon Stone. Lean in to the idea of turning heads, and make the other guests wonder who the big roller is.

The Golden Rule: Respect

Casinos aren't only about gambling. Sipping a cocktail while hitting the Blackjack tables just feels right and is the ultimate adult-only perk. The bars in Casino Royale have an excellent cocktail menu, and mixologists onboard shake and stir up everything from dark 'n' stormies and margaritas to more tropical creations like pineapple guava sangrias. Of course, Champagne and bubbly are always on hand to help you celebrate those big money wins. As a benefit with Club Royale, drinks in the casino are complimentary to Prime, Signature and Masters members while playing, and you can even tip your bartender or server with cash or chips. Food is typically not served in the casinos, so make it a night and dine at one of the onboard restaurants beforehand.

Drinking doesn't mean getting boisterous. Remaining on your best behavior is key to having a great casino night out. You can do this by always respecting the House rules, casino staff and other guests. This is the golden rule of casino etiquette. Sometimes the winning or losing spirit can chip away at the best of us, and emotions can run high. But it's crucial to know the rules ahead of time, listen to and respect what the casino staff members say and never engage in inflammatory behavior with other guests. Casino Royale is a space designed for guests to have fun in, and that spirit needs to be maintained by everyone during every moment of play.

When winning fever hits you, it's only natural that you'll want to snap a photo of yourself or a loved one after a big payout. Contrary to popular belief, cell phones are allowed in Casino Royale, just not when you are playing one of the various table games. Some photography is allowed as well, as long as you respect the other guests and make sure you're not invading their privacy by including them in a shot they don't want to be in. Shooting video footage, however, is strictly prohibited, and dealers may ask you to stop if you do. Stepping into Casino Royale is like stepping back in time, so embrace the energy and limit your cell phone usage so you can live in the moment. Keep your eyes on the prize, not on your social media feed.

End the Night Right

Just because the games are done doesn't mean you are finished. It's important to understand the customs of what to do after a night of winning, like casino tipping etiquette. Tipping the dealer is not only considered good form, but it's a nice way to share the wealth. Many players will toss a few chips to the dealer's playing field before cards are dealt for the next round — this is always appreciated. Same for leaving chips for the dealer after you "color up" your chips when you're done playing (meaning you exchange smaller chip denominations for larger ones). Most casinos will be filled with novice players, so dealers appreciate any tip since many guests might be new, learning and might not know that it's a kind way to pay it forward.

Also remember — everybody loves an excited winner, but nobody loves a braggart. There's a fine line between the two. Big winners might feel the urge to shout to the world what they won, but be careful who you tell and how you tell them. It's better to be discreet about big wins. Same for losses. So celebrate, but in a respectful manner.

All winnings are rewarded in chips color-coded by value, which will need to be cashed in at the cashiers desk, aka the cage, inside the casino. Announcements and reminders will be made so you know when it's closing. Visitors who forget to or don't cash in will need to wait until their next sailing to do so, so be sure to take time to cash in your chips before the window closes.

Most casinos do not open until the ship has entered international waters, so don't be surprised if it's closed right when you set sail, or when you're about to pull into port. Take the time to enjoy the casino as a fun, special night with a loved one — this is a special occasion place and best experienced as such.

The most important rule of casino etiquette: Have fun! Casino Royale℠ is a special place to spend a night on your cruise vacation. Don't take it too seriously, embrace the fun and games and good luck on the casino floor!