Your guide to online casino table game etiquette
Want to try your hand at table games for the first time? Great stuff! Remember your etiquette. Table games are the heartbeat of any casino, whether land-based or online. And if you’ve never tried them before, you’re in for a thrilling time!
Of course as with any casino game, there are a few do’s and don’ts you should be aware of before you sit down to play, gambling etiquette being the most crucial. Whether you’re face-to-face with other players at a brick-and-mortar casino, or sitting behind a screen gambling online, there are certain rules that need to be followed to ensure a seamless, rewarding gambling experience.
So before you take a seat at the tables, take a look at our top tips first. You’ll soon be sitting down to table games like a pro!
Why online table game etiquette is important
You really don’t want to be that player – the one that sits down without knowing what to play, how to play or when to play. And you certainly don’t want to be the one impacting everyone else’s experience negatively as a result.
Remember, even though you’re behind a laptop or mobile device, you’ll still be connecting – either with the house itself in regular table games, or with the dealer and other players in live dealer games. And while you might think that gambling online means there’s no need for etiquette, there are still various rules, often unspoken ones, that need to be followed. The more you’re able to follow table game etiquette correctly, the better your gaming experience will be. So let’s look at how we can achieve that, game by game.
Online Blackjack etiquette
Know when it’s your turn
Don’t get ahead of yourself – a game of Blackjack runs like clockwork, and you don’t want to be the one throwing a spanner in the works. Wait until it’s your turn before you make any decisions, and if you’re playing a live dealer game, don’t rush the dealer or other players in order to get to your turn faster. Be patient, bide your time, and resist the urge to spam the chat if you feel the game slowing down.
Don’t make any sudden movements
If you’re in a land-based casino, you’d use hand signals with the dealer to signal your intentions and prevent any misunderstandings. Obviously in online Blackjack, things work a little differently. Here you won’t be signalling the dealer, but you will be using your mouse, touchpad or touchscreen to make your gambling decisions – so think before you click! You don’t want to choose the wrong option by accident, so double-check before you double down.
Don’t blame the dealer, proper etiquette
It’s not the RNG’s fault if you lose, and it’s not the live dealer’s fault either. In regular online Blackjack, the Random Number Generator controls all the outcomes of every game, making sure that results are always fair and random. In live dealer Blackjack, the dealer operates under a strict set of rules and has zero influence over either the cards you receive, or your betting decisions. So whether you win or lose, make sure you avoid venting any frustrations in the chat. It’s not a good look for you.
Keep your advice to yourself
Giving unsolicited advice is never a great idea, and in the context of online gambling, it’s an even worse one. No matter how tempted you might be to give tips and advice in a live dealer Blackjack game, keep your thoughts to yourself. Not only will your advice be unwelcome, you could also open yourself up to criticism if a player follows your advice and loses as a result. Focus on your own game and keep your energy on your own hand, where it belongs.
Consider tipping, if you can
Obviously this doesn’t apply to regular online Blackjack. But if you’re playing on a live dealer platform that has tipping functionality, you might want to consider gifting the dealer a gratuity from your balance. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a kind gesture and it helps create a positive atmosphere. Sometimes the dealer will even acknowledge the tip in the chat, adding to the interactivity of the game. If your live dealer platform doesn’t allow for tipping, don’t worry. Being polite is considered good enough etiquette on its own.
Online Poker etiquette
Wait your turn
Just as with online Blackjack, there’s a system to follow in online Poker as well with regards to the order of play. No matter how fast the game is moving, make sure you always respect the order. And wait until it’s your turn to make any betting decisions. Trying to play ahead of time or acting out of turn will only disrupt the flow of the game and annoy other players. Don’t be that guy.
Keep it friendly
We know how competitive online Poker can be, but that’s no reason to forget your manners. Whether you’re winning or losing, always keep the chat civil and avoid any trash talk, excessive bragging or explicit language. You’ll only ruin the vibe.
Don’t stall the game
Taking too long between moves is a purposeful tactic that some players use to distract others – and it’s always unwelcome. Not only does it disrupt the flow and momentum of the game, it’s frustrating as well. Always be mindful of how long you’re taking to make your betting decisions. And try to find the perfect balance between not feeling too rushed and not taking too long either.
Don’t slow your roll
Ever heard of ‘slow rolling’? It’s a move in Poker where a player who knows they have the winning hand deliberately delays revealing it, usually in order to make the other player think they’ve won. While it might sound like a great prank to pull at the time, it’s officially one of the rudest moves in Poker, and not something you want to be knowing for doing. Avoid this fake-out move – it’s the textbook definition of poor gambling etiquette.
Mute and move on
While you might be keeping your cool in the chat, other players might not be exhibiting the same control and good manners. Don’t let this get to you. If you ever find a player being toxic in the chat, trolling or ragebaiting, don’t sink to their level. Avoid engaging in any arguments and focus on your own game instead. Mute, forget and move on – it’s the only way to play.
Online Roulette ways
Place your bets in time
Never played online Roulette before? Then don’t get left behind when it’s time to bet! As you’ll notice once you start playing, there’s a countdown before every spin, signalling how much time you have left to place your bets before the game gets underway. If you want in on the spin, make sure you place your bets before time runs out, or you’ll slow down the momentum of the game.
Stick to your decisions
Equally, it’s just as important to stick to your guns once you’ve placed a bet. When you’re playing Roulette at a land-based casino, it’s considered bad form to try and change your bet once the wheel is spinning. While this isn’t even an option in online Roulette (because once you’ve placed your bet, that’s that), it’s also considered poor etiquette to complain about your bet after locking it in. Keep the chat positive at all times, and make better decisions in your next game.
Don’t spam the chat
This goes for any live dealer online casino game actually. While the chat function is a fun way to get involved and keep yourself immersed in the live functionality of the game. Nobody likes a spammer. Make sure that your messages are always relevant, that you’re not messaging too often unnecessarily. And avoid spamming ‘big win’ requests. Or you could find yourself very unpopular very quickly.
Don’t hog the table
It could be that you’re playing at an online casino that offers private live Roulette tables, in which case the number of bets you make won’t matter. But if you’re at a public table, be considerate about bet stacking and the space you’re leaving for other players. Don’t flood the board with multiple low-value bets unless that’s the strategy you’re committed to. There’s plenty of room for everyone at the table!
General online casino etiquette
It’s just as important to be mindful of your play when you’re at the casino in general, as it is when you’re playing table games. To get the most value out of your experience, make sure you bear these tips in mind:
Treat the dealer and other players with respect no matter which game you’re playing. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Control your emotions. Whether you’re winning or losing, it’s important to always play with grace and dignity. And keep your emotions out of your gambling.
Make sure you understand the rules of the game you’re playing before you place your bets. You don’t want to hold up the game, and you don’t want to make any expensive mistakes.
Ready to take your newly-learned etiquette to the tables and see how you get on? Just be friendly, remember the rules and focus on your game and no one else’s. The more you’re able to be respectful and prioritise fair play, the more rewarding your gambling will be. Good luck!