Visiting a casino: a player's guide

You have to be 18 to gamble legally in a UK casino. At most casinos, you can only enter as a member or accompanying a member as a guest. All casinos, though, require proof of identity as an anti-money laundering requirement.

All customers should be prepared to prove their identity either on entry or during their time in the casino. In practical terms you should take your passport or driving licence with you. If in doubt telephone the casino in advance of your visit.

You can apply for membership in person or by post (some casinos allow you to do so via their websites), but you must do so at least 24 hours prior to your visit. In most cases, membership and entry is free.

These days, casinos are pretty relaxed about dress. Jeans, for example, are not banned in most casinos but you may feel out of place—people tend to wear smart casual. Europe tends to expect a smarter dress code than the US.

You can walk miles in a casino without realising and spend a lot of time standing around watching games or waiting for space at a table, so it's always a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.

Spotted an empty chair? Always ask before joining a casino gaming circle.

Have your money within sight, on the table, and wait until the end of the round before asking.

Most casino dealers have name badges—make a point of using their names, especially if you're planning to become a regular visitor.

Ask—casino dealers and floor staff are there to help.

Staff and other punters won't be happy if you start taking pictures inside a casino—it's not the done thing. With large sums of money at stake and lots of cash on site, security concerns are paramount.

It goes without saying that casinos will take a dim view of unsociable behaviour. A punter who becomes drunken and belligerent may be ejected and find their entry barred next time.

When, playing in a casino, knowing your limit is key. Leave the credit cards at home.

Casino dealers appreciate a little thank you now and then—especially if you've done well. Most casino croupiers pour their tips into a central fund, which is then divided up among the staff. However, some countries ban casino tips, but in the US it's done as a matter of course—you can pay as little as a dollar, but the sky's the limit for bigger tips. Give your tip at the end of your session.