Know the rules before you sit down
Good live-dealer casino etiquette begins before you even get to the table. Few things annoy other players at the table more than being held up by someone asking a lot of basic questions and hindering play because they’re unsure of the rules. Moreover, players tend to use more aggressive strategies in order to combat your bets if you’re being a nuisance and slowing down the game. Understanding the live casino rules of your chosen game is crucial before joining a table – these rules can differ between casinos, so be sure to do your research if you switch to a new establishment.
Suppose you’re new to a game and want to start learning. In that case, it’s best to do so in either a free version of that particular game (often provided by the casino as a tool to help new players learn before they commit real money to a game they don’t understand) or by trying some of the single-player games available at the online casino. Just jumping straight into a live dealer poker game, for example, without any knowledge of poker hands or how the game is played, can cause some other players to become frustrated and will ruin the experience for them as well as yourself. Furthermore, if you buy into a game without any prior knowledge, the chances of losing money are almost guaranteed.
So, do yourself and the other players a favor and learn at least the basics of how the game is played before you jump into a live dealer game. Besides simply keeping other players happy, you wouldn’t want them to think you’re a complete amateur, particularly not in a game of live dealer poker where your reputation at the table can matter quite a bit. Experienced players are always inspecting who the good and bad players are, so staying under the radar and understanding the fundamental online casino rules is key to not being exploited.
Taking your seat
Deciding which table to take a seat at is actually a bigger deal than you might initially think. Different tables of live dealer games cater to different kinds of players – some might have high stakes and cater more to the high-rollers, while others might be more accommodating of someone on a budget who’s just looking to have a good time.
Make sure, when you take a seat at the table in a live dealer game, that you’re there to play and that your budget is appropriate for that table. Only stake what you’re able to lose. If you sit down at a live dealer blackjack game and your budget doesn’t allow you to play for more than two or three hands, you might want to find a table better suited to your bankroll rather than hang around not playing any hands. The more rounds you play the greater understanding you have and from here your confidence and game-play skills will increase exponentially.
Be respectful toward the dealer and other players
This shouldn’t take much explaining for most people. Unfortunately, though, some need a reminder about respect when playing online games: just because they’re not in the same room as the dealer and other players, it doesn’t mean they get to do and say whatever they like to them.
Live dealers, just like those at the tables in regular casinos, are simply doing their jobs. Whether they’re dealing cards at a live dealer poker table or spinning the wheel for players in live dealer roulette rooms, your wins and losses have nothing to do with the dealer. Understandably, a big loss in an online casino game can be frustrating, particularly when your own money is on the line. But, as any professional poker player or gambler will tell you, that is simply the nature of the game, and you have to just learn to take a bad beat sometimes.
The same goes for the other players at the table. A little banter and some needling at the table is fine and all in good fun; it’s just important to know when enough is enough. While you’re in the chat in the live dealer room, try to keep the conversation light and civil with the other players and away from polarizing topics such as politics, religion or anything that you think might upset someone at the table.
After all, just like you, the rest of the players are there to have a good time and get the best possible experience out of the live dealer casino game. Just remember to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat – and you’ll be fine!
Additionally, it’s worth noting casino tipping etiquette. If you win, be sure to give your dealer a slice of the pie by leaving them a tip at the end of your game. If you’re out of money, just ensure you thank them for their time.
Enjoy live dealer games at BetMGM
Now that your etiquette has been brushed up, why not put your impeccable manners to the test at one of our live dealer rooms at BetMGM, a real online casino? Register with us to get access to some of the best online casino games, including live dealer blackjack, poker, roulette and many more fun and exciting casino games. See you – and your flawless etiquette – at the tables!
