Basic Gambling Protocol for the Not So Casino Savvy
Those who have never been on a land based or a brick and mortar casino will sometimes feel awkward during their first visit since they're unaware of the protocol. This is also true for those who have been gambling all the time in online casinos. No matter how hard the online gambling scene tries to imitate the experience they just can't replicate the ambience you'll get from a brick and mortar casino.
One very different thing you'll immediately notice once you enter a land based casino is the number of people. It doesn't matter if you're sitting at a table, playing slots, or what have you, you'll always be surrounded, and often interacting with others playing the same game.
This is where an understanding of gambling protocol basics comes into play. Since you'll be associating and interacting with others in the game or out of the game a few reminders of what is proper protocol and what is not will go a long way especially for first timers in a land based casino.
Before you sit down at a table game you should inquire if the casino you're in allows employees to give instructions to newcomers. At times, some casinos conduct tours and will show you all the popular games they have and a casino employee usually will explain the rules of each game. Some casinos even take this a step further by allowing new gamblers to sit at a table designated to teach them the rudiments of a certain game.
In case these are not available, then you should observe a game you would like to play. You should of course stay at a considerable distance so you won't distract those in the hand or otherwise playing. You should observe the game's procedure and what is and what is not allowed in that particular game. Another option you can try is to grab the casino's brochure that explains all the games.
It is proper protocol to sit at a table only if you understand how to play it. You should buy in only in between each hand that is played, never buy in when a hand is still in play. Instead of acting impatiently this is a great time to get your cash ready and take a few more minutes to get some tips and tricks by looking at how experienced players play the game.
Remember to be polite and never insult or comment on another player's game. As part of casino protocol and a form of courtesy especially if the dealer did a wonderful job, you should tip the guy.
When you're done playing you should exchange lower denomination chips for larger value ones. You can also do this in between hands when none is in play. Remember that each casino will have a unique protocol so it is better to just observe things at first before joining the games.