Playing poker in a land-based casino is entirely different from playing in the comfort of your own home. You’re playing by a completely new set of rules when you sit down with real chips, surrounded by real people, within the confines of a real casino. With that in mind, before you even think about stepping foot in your local casino, it’s important to practice proper etiquette.

1. Never discuss your hand. Just like you wouldn’t type “I folded a jack” in a chat box online after the flop came J-J-9, you shouldn’t say anything about your hand in a live casino, ever. It’s against the rules in many card rooms and you may even be asked to leave if you do it. Talking about your hand gives away critical information to those who are still involved and makes you look disrespectful towards other players. If you do this at a casino, you’ll be able to see the glares from those who are seated around you.
2. Show one, show all. Nothing makes me angrier at a table than when a person shows the player seated next to him what he had, but no one else. This gives the player he flashed his cards to a significant informational advantage. You as a player can actually request that the dealer show what cards were mucked so that you also get this information. However, if you’re going to go through the trouble of showing your cards to your neighbor, show them to everyone. I often find it to my advantage just to muck and not show any cards. I don’t want to give my opponents any edge over me.
3. Don’t drink (too much). Sadly, the first thing I think about when I type that is Scotty Nguyen, who made a mockery of the game of poker through his actions at the 2008 World Series of Poker HORSE Championship. Nguyen was malicious at the table and drank heavily. With free drinks and cocktail waitresses constantly circulating, it’s easy to get blitzed at a poker table. Sure, it’s OK to have a beer or two, but don’t go too overboard. If you play drunk, your judgment is impaired and you’re likely to act out of character. When you do this outside of your home, it’s a crime called public intoxication. You’ll be asked to leave the casino and may face legal action. Drink one Budweiser and then switch to good old H2O.
4. Keep your emotions in check. When you play at home online, you can cuss, throw things, and berate people. Although it’s unhealthy behavior, it doesn’t harm anyone. If you do this at a casino with real people, you’re liable to hurt other players without even realizing it. If you suffer a bad beat, knock on the table and say “Good hand.” Getting beat isn’t an open invitation to stand up and tee off on your competition. Likewise, don’t yell and when something good or bad happens. Just keep your cool. The first rule of poker etiquette is to keep your emotions under control.
5. Respect the staff. It’s one thing to show reverence for your fellow players at the table. It’s even more important to do the same for the staff. The poker room dealers, hosts, and wait staff make your experience enjoyable. Their goal is to keep you comfortable and allow you to focus on poker. Unlike Nguyen, don’t badger the floor staff. Be respectful to them as you would any of your friends, family, or co-workers.
6. Tip! When you win a pot, give the dealer a couple of bucks. You can just give them chips right off the top of the pot. The dealers are working for chips, just like waiters are. Show them your appreciation for dealing you a winning hand.