Casino etiquette for the curious: a quiet welcome to the table

You need not be a regular to join a private gaming table. You do need to understand five small customs that govern the room.

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 will arrive.

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

Lay bills on the felt; the dealer counts them before the camera and slides chips across. Money never passes directly between hands. This is not discourtesy; it is procedure.

Handle your 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 easiest to overlook.

Tip after a win, not after a loss

A modest chip offered to the dealer following a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss appears theatrical. If uncertain, observe the table for a few minutes — the regulars will teach you everything.

Leave when you choose, not when you are losing

The discipline of stopping matters 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 limit, and honour it.

Written by the editorial team at Resort Alpine. Last revised 2026-07-13.