Do Not Be a Jerk

18 March 2023

By Jerry Stickman

Going to a casino for some action on the casino floor can be exciting. It can be fun. It can even be relaxing in some cases.

However, it can be a totally different experience if there is a casino jerk at the table. You cannot stop someone else from being one, but you can certainly make sure you are not one.

Social casino games:

Some casino games are social in nature. They include most table games. Craps tends to be the most social since most people bet with the shooter and therefore cheer for him (or her) to win. Craps is particularly exciting because unlike other table games where casino personnel deal the game, players produce the results.

How can you avoid being an jerk at the craps table?

In no particular order, here are some rules of etiquette.

• Buy in when the On/Off button is “off” and not positioned on a point number. It is between points so the pressure is off the shooter (and therefore, also the rest of the table who are betting on his roll).
• Only bet at the proper time – only when the stickman has the dice in the center of the table. Never bet when a player has the dice.
• Wait your turn to make place (or buy) bets.
• Wait your turn to be paid on a winning bet.
• If you are the shooter, only handle the dice with one hand.
• Keep your hands on or behind the chip rail when the shooter has the dice.
• It is okay to cheer for the shooter. It is not okay to harass the shooter if you are betting against his number.
• Never touch the shooter or try to squeeze into a spot at the table when he has the dice in hand.

Blackjack is also a social game, but each player is playing against the house. Because of this, there are different ways to be a jerk.

• If it is a face up game, do not touch the cards. Use hand signals to indicate hit or stand.
• If it is a face-down game, handle the cards with one hand only.
• Do not give other players unsolicited advice. Each player bets their own money and has the right to play the hand as they see fit. Players remember when an unorthodox play allows the dealer to win. They tend to forget the instances when players win due to an unorthodox play.
• Do not become obnoxious at the table.
• Do not get “sloppy drunk.”

Other table games such as roulette, baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean stud, etcetera, also have rules of etiquette.

• Know the general rules of the game.
• Do not give other players unsolicited advice. It is their money, their choice.
• Do not get obnoxious at the table.
• Do not get “sloppy drunk.”

Non-social Games:

Slot machines and video poker are NOT social games, they are played by one person. Many times slot and video poker players are perfectly happy being in their own world while playing.

• Do not give other players unsolicited advice.
• Do not talk to another player who is clearly not interested in talking.
• Do not allow smoke from your cigarette to blow or drift into another player’s face.
• Do not become “sloppy drunk.”

Summary:

In general, you can avoid being a jerk by living by the golden rule.

Do not do unto others what you would not want done unto you.

It might be better phrased as “let other players play their game as they see fit.”

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of "Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!" You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com