One in five Brits who enjoy gambling (21%) feel that the rules and regulations in casinos are too strict – with 31% believing they might put people off visiting a gambling house, research has found.
A survey of 500 adults, who gamble, found one in four (24%) have seen some casino faux-pas being committed, with a fifth even witnessing someone being escorted out.
Some of the top behaviours that are frowned upon include putting drinks on the betting tables, leaving items unattended – or playing without understanding the rules.
Using phones at the table, chasing your losses, and borrowing money to gamble, are other no-no's – while gambling more than you can lose topped the list.
However, half of those polled reckon the rules are “just right” for keeping people in check – and eight in ten say that others should not be intimidated by coming to casinos.
Expert Steve Madgwick, who gives coaching on etiquette and behaviour in casinos, said: “There are certain no-go’s which will be common sense to most casino visitors – such as excessive drinking, touching someone else's chips, or trying to cheat.
“But there are also a number of frowned-on behaviours that many people won’t be aware of, such as putting your drink on the table, having your phone out, and touching your cards at the wrong time or in the wrong way.
“Don’t be put off attending the casino, thinking that you need to dress up like James Bond. Casinos around the UK, and those along the strip in Vegas, typically have a smart-casual dress code which most will follow during the day – but come the evening, you’ll see more people in formal business attire.
“Whilst beachwear and sportswear aren't normally appropriate at any time, neither do you need to go super smart. Somewhere in between, and you will blend in nicely.”
The study also found that late bets on a roulette wheel, wearing dark glasses, and “overstaying your welcome”, are other things to avoid when laying bets in a gaming house – and 6% admit they themselves have been showing the door, for behaviour deemed not acceptable.
However, when witnessing a betting blunder, 59% would turn a blind eye, while just 11% would quietly correct the error.
Of those who have dabbled in both in-person and online betting, the physical experience of visiting a gaming house is the preferred option (33%), over a virtual experience (31%).
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found it’s not until the second visit that casino-goers have felt more at ease with gaming etiquette – although 74% agreed you don’t need to “know everything” to enjoy yourself in a casino.
It also emerged lottery draws were found to be the most popular choice for gamblers (64%), followed by betting on horse racing (49%), and purchasing scratch cards (48%). And the typical gambler tries their luck seven times a month, on average, chancing £54 in total.
A spokesman for OLBG added. “Many people can find their first visit to a casino a bit intimidating, as it feels as though everyone else knows exactly what to do.
“You don’t need to know everything before you enter a casino to have a good time. You will find casino croupiers to be very friendly and happy to explain how everything works, as long as it isn’t at a really busy time.”
TOP 10 GAMBLING FAUX-PAS – ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO GAMBLE:
- Gambling more than you can lose
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Disturbing other players
- Chasing your losses
- Using phones at the table
- Playing without understanding the rules
- Leaving your items unattended
- Excessive alcohol drinking
- Putting drinks on the table
- Sitting at a table when not gambling
Gamble responsibly
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We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org .
